South Korean FM Ban Ki-Moon to be UN Secretary General

The United States welcomes today's decision by the United Nations Security Council to recommend South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon to the United Nations General Assembly for appointment as UN Secretary General. We look forward to prompt action by the UN General Assembly to appoint Foreign Minister Ban so that he may begin to prepare for the challenges awaiting him and the United Nations.

The United States believes that Secretary General-designate Ban is the right choice to lead the United Nations at this pivotal time in its history. We believe his commitment to UN reform will lead to a stronger and more effective United Nations, one that is capable of using its human and financial resources to maximum effect to achieve the goals of the United Nations. We are confident that Secretary General-designate Ban will both represent and instill the highest standards of integrity within the United Nations system.

We have had the privilege of working closely with Secretary General-designate Ban in his capacity as Foreign Minister, as the Republic of Korea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and in his diplomatic assignments here in Washington. We look forward to working with him as Secretary General as he leads the United Nations in addressing the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of freedom, democracy and human rights, and the fight against both current and emerging threats from terrorism, weapons proliferation, and disease.

We extend our appreciation to President Vike-Freiberga, Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart, Under Secretary General Tharoor, Ambassador Dhanapala, Prince Zeid, and Ambassador Ghani, whose candidacies demonstrated their commitment to the United Nations and their recognized and respected leadership on world issues. We look forward to their continued contribution to the goals of the United Nations.

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