Posted on 10/14/2006 6:15:10 AM PDT by cloud8
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon has been unanimously chosen to lead the United Nations for the next five years and accepted the position saying the world body needs to promise less and deliver more.
The 62-year-old career diplomat will take over from Ghanaian chief Kofi Annan in January and will becomes the world body's eighth secretary general and the first Asian UN chief since U Thant of Burma led the organisation from 1961 to 1971.
"I am deeply honoured to become the second Asian to lead the organisation," Ban told the General Assembly after his nomination Friday.
"The true measure of success for the UN is not how much we promise, but how much we deliver for those who need us most," he said, adding: "The UN is needed now more than ever before."
Ban, a mild-mannered figure, has played key roles both as South Korea's foreign minister and earlier as Seoul's ambassador to the United Nations in trying to resolve the long-standing North Korean nuclear crisis.
He outlined fighting poverty, HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation and protecting human rights Friday as among the priorities of his tenure along with containing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and combating terrorism.
The United Nations body is under increasing pressure to reform, notably from its biggest financial backer and host the United States, but Ban hinted that reforms would only come at an appropriate time.
"We reform not to please others, but because we value what this organisation stands for. We reform because we believe in its future.
"We cannot change everything at once. But if we choose wisely, and work together transparently, flexibly and honestly, progress in a few areas will lead to progress in a few more," he added.
The European Union and United States led the congratulations, with US ambassador to the UN John Bolton saying: "We believe he is the right person to lead the United Nations at this decisive moment in its history, particularly as the UN struggles to fulfil the terms of the reform agenda that world leaders agreed to last fall."
President George W. Bush welcomed the appointment, with the White House saying in a satetment that Ban assumes his role at a time of great challenge and opportunity at the United Nations.
"We will rely on his leadership to help steer the UN Organization through the reforms already underway, and to propel the organization even further on the path of reform," the White House stressed.
Ban's appointment was a mere formality after the powerful 15-member Security Council recommended him as Annan's successor on Monday, an event overshadowed by North Korea declaring it had conducted a nuclear test.
His election coincides with a major international crisis over North Korea's nuclear program and he somberly welcomed his nomination by the Security Council Monday just after Pyongyang's nuclear announcement.
"This should be a moment of joy. But instead, I stand here with a very heavy heart," he said.
Ban was the only remaining candidate in the race for the coveted, high-profile job after six other contenders withdrew.
Annan congratulated his successor, hailing him as "a man with a truly global mind" with "exceptional qualifications."
And he repeated the greeting made more than 50 years ago by the first UN secretary general, Norway's Trygve Lie, to his Swedish successor, Dag Hammarskjold: "You are about to take over the most impossible job on Earth."
"While that may be true, I would add: this is also the best possible job on Earth," Annan said.
Ban rose to prominence talking tough on North Korean issues. With 33 months in office, he is one of South Korea's longer-serving foreign ministers -- surviving the sometimes turbulent diplomacy on the divided peninsula.
Ban will take up his post in January after 68-year-old Annan steps down on December 31 after completing two five-year terms.
Other contenders for the job were Indian diplomat Shashi Tharoor; Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga; former Thai deputy prime minister Surakiart Sathirathai; Jordan's UN ambassador Prince Zeid al-Hussein; Sri Lankan diplomat Jayantha Dhanapala and Afghanistan's former finance minister Ashraf Ghani.
As Bill Clinton's dreams come crashing around him...
At first glance he seems much better than Kofi and having a South Korean there can't be good for North Korea, but he still seems to be a bit of a lefty. But in the UN that's about all there is. At least he should not be a shill for the terrorists.
What will the Chicoms make of this appointment? Any thoughts?
China seems to be on board with this appointment.
> What will the Chicoms make of this appointment? Any thoughts?
There was an article I think yesterday about how the Chicoms are in a panic over the prospect of a nuclear North Korea and their whole regional strategy has fallen to pieces. They've got to be pleased if a South Korean Sec-Gen can keep the North in line. The big losers here are the Mohammedans.
It will be interesting to see how he handles the North. South Korea has been extremely willing to put up with Kim with the eventual goal of reunifying the Korean Peninsula.
"Emily"
" ... it's ... yes?"
"Emily, it is Ban Ki Moon, the name of the new Secretary General of the United Nations."
"Oh ... Nevermind"
It remains to be seen. His attentions to North Korea have been appeasment...and they do supply the North with food and supplys for the common people..with the hope they get some of it. He is weak but does have American troops in his country for support. I would like to see us out of there, but that probably won't happen. I have read the US feels the appeasement is a big problem for us.
Don't get your hopes up. He could be a total Quisling.
Well I cannot figure how he could be worse
I've just gotta wonder how much money this turdbird has salted away in secret bank accounts.
Is he related to Sun Myung Moon, he of Moonies fame?
I think his family name is Ban. That's how the article refers to him. Same as Dear Leader's family name is Kim.
Sun Myung Moon, on the other hand, is related to Richard Nixon.
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