Annan elected to second term at UN

Kofi Annan won election to a second term at the helm of the United Nations today with support from every corner of the globe, a unanimous endorsement of his sensitive and effective leadership.

The 189-member General Assembly approved a recommendation by the 15-member Security Council to appoint the 63-year-old Ghanian for another five-year term.

Annan’s unanimous election six months before his first term expires on December 31 was a far cry from the last contest in 1996 when the United States blocked his predecessor, Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt, from serving another five years.

Rich and impoverished nations joined in supporting Annan for a new term, which will expire on January 1, 2006, a reflection of his support.

raditionally, the UN’s top job rotates every 10 years by region, and Africa should - in theory - be handing over the spacious office on the 38th floor of the UN Secretariat building to Asia on January 1.

But Annan’s re-election gives Africa an unprecedented 15 years at the helm of the world body.

General Assembly members applauded rather than voted when assembly President Harri Holkeri asked for their support after Security Council president Anwarul Chowdhury of Bangladesh read the resolution recommending Annan’s appointment.

"His excellency, Mr Kofi Annan, has been appointed by acclamation secretary general of the United Nations for a second term of office," Holkeri announced.