New UN Sec-Gen Appointment Expected Tomorrow

New UN Secretary-General likely to be appointed by acclamation tomorrow

Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon of the Republic of Korea is likely to be elected by acclamation as next Secretary-General of the United Nations when the General Assembly meets at 3 p.m. tomorrow to formally appoint the successor to Kofi Annan, who steps down on 31 December.

The Secretary-General designate will not take the oath of office immediately, as is usual, but at a later date in December, which would allow him to finish some of his current responsibilities as his country�s foreign minister. He will begin his five-year term on 1 January.

Laying out the procedure for the appointment, General Assembly spokesperson Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte told a news briefing today that Assembly Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa of Bahrain will first invite the Security Council President for October, Japanese Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, to report on the Council�s recommendation.

On Monday, the 15-member body chose Mr. Ban as its nominee for the post, but the formal appointment rests with the 192-member Assembly.

The Assembly will then �take action either by acclamation, as is usually the practice, or of course you know the possibility exists that somebody may ask for a vote, though we think it�s unlikely,� Ms. Bindley-Taylor Sainte said.

Statements will be made by Sheikha Haya, Mr. Annan, the regional group chairpersons, the representative of the United States as host country and the Secretary-General designate himself.

Mr. Ban is expected to talk to the news media following his appointment.

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