NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 10 – Kenya has declared support for a second term for United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
In a letter to Mr Ban, President Mwai Kibaki declared: "As you seek the General Assembly\’s concurrence for a second term, let me assure you of my country\’s support for your candidature."
President Kibaki hailed the UN Secretary General for his stewardship of the global body.
"I would like to acknowledge your efforts in striving to promote fairness, equity and multilateralism in international relations for the betterment of all nations and the achievement of sustainable growth and development." the President said.
President Kibaki also saluted Mr Ban for his support towards the United Nations operations both at the regional offices in Nairobi and Africa .
On Wednesday, The EU also gave its backing for a second five-year term for Mr Ban Ki-moon as UN chief, after express support from four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
"The European Union welcomes Secretary General Ban Ki-moon\’s announcement that he will be a candidate for re-election for a second term," foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
"This is very good news for the United Nations and for the international community which he has served tirelessly," said Ashton.
"During a period of great turmoil on many fronts, Mr Ban Ki-moon has ensured a steady and determined leadership."
The United States, Britain, China and France have also announced their backing for Ban.
Russia is the only permanent UNSC member yet to declare its position.
Ban, who took over as secretary general from Kofi Annan in 2007, has said he will make the battle against climate change his top priority and has defended the way he deals with world powers on issues like human rights.
Diplomats say that with no challenger in sight, the Security Council should quickly give approval for a second term for Ban, and the UN General Assembly should vote before the end of June.
(Agence France Presse contributed to this report).
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