Nepal supports Ban's re-election bid

KATHMANDU, June 13: Nepal has announced its support to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon´s bid to seek second term in the top post of the global body.



The prime minister´s foreign relations advisor Milan Tuladhar said Nepal will extend support to Ban´s candidacy in line with the decision made by Asian Group at the UN on June 6.  “We will go by majority decision of Asian countries,” said Tuladhar. [break]



“Personally Ban has been very close to us particularly with regard to our peace process. He has been closely involved in the peace process since the signing of the 12-point agreement to the establishment of United Nations Mission in Nepal. While reaffirming our support we wish him all the best,” Tuladhar added.



Recalling the meeting between Ban and Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal during the Fourth UN Conference on LDCs in Turkey, Tuladhar said, “Ban has also taken special interest and initiation in developing Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. He has mentioned to the prime minister that he would visit Lumbini in 2012,” he added.



The current five-year term of Ban is expiring on December 31.



Ban officially announced his bid to seek re-election to the top post of the world body during a press meet at UN Headquarters in New York on June 6.



“It has been an enormous privilege to lead this great organization. If supported by the member states, I would be deeply honored to serve once more. Throughout my time in office, I have sought to be a bridge-builder -- among the member states, within the United Nations system and among a rich diversity of global partners. Finding common ground is central to delivering results,” he said.



Ban had also informed that he sent a letter to the membership of the General Assembly and the Security Council for consideration of his candidacy for a second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations.



A meeting of Asian Group at the United Nations had endorsed by acclamation the candidature of Ban for the second term the same day of his announcement to seek re-election.



The group subsequently wrote to the President of the UN General Assembly and the President of the Security Council informing about its decision.



The UN Charter provides for the Secretary-General to be appointed by the 192-member General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The selection is thus a subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council.With no declared rival for the top post of the global body and all five permanent members including the US, China, Russia, France and the UK supporting his re-election bid, the 66-year-old former South Korean foreign minister is almost certain to get a new five year term.



Though the endorsement of the Latin American and Caribbean countries is still awaited, African Union Group with 54 countries and Western European Other Groups (WEOG) with 28 countries have also endorsed the candidature of Ban, according to media reports.

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