The UN General Assembly has tentatively scheduled Friday for the official appointment of South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon as the world body's next Secretary-General, an Assembly spokesperson said yesterday.

 

Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa of Bahrain consulted with the chairpersons of the 192-member body's regional groups on the date for Ban's appointment, and the regional chairpersons were expected to report back to Sheikha Haya later Wednesday, said Assembly spokesperson Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte.

 

Ban was scheduled to meet Annan later Wednesday.

 

Earlier in his diplomatic career, Ban served in his country's mission to the UN and in 2001 was Chef de Cabinet to the then Assembly President, Han Seung-soo of South Korea.

 

The last four secretaries-general were appointed by the Assembly through a resolution adopted by consensus. A vote will take place only if a member state requests it and a simple majority of those voting would be required for the Assembly to adopt the resolution.

 

But the Assembly could decide that the decision requires a two-thirds majority. If a vote is taken, it will be by secret ballot.

 

If appointed, Ban will assume office for a five-year term on January 1, 2007. 

(Photo source: The Naeil Newspaper Co., Ltd)

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2006)