The former South Korean Foreign Minister was unanimously confirmed by the Assembly of the United Nations. "We have a long way to go, too many people lack basic human rights. Too many people suffer from hunger. Too many children die every day, "he says.

New York (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The UN General Assembly unanimously approved a second five-year term for the outgoing Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon last night. The former Foreign South Korean Minister, who succeeded Kofi Annan in 2007, was re-elected by acclamation. Ban, who is 67 years old, had no opponents in the nomination for the office. His re-election became a certainty after the Security Council last week recommended his tenure at the helm of the organization.

Ban Ki-moon expressed his gratitude for the "great honour" but also stated that he is still much work to do, which remained incomplete after the first term. " Clearly we have far to go, Too many people lack basic human rights. Too many people are hungry. Too many children die needlessly every day. Seldom has the United Nations been more relevant and never has it been more necessary" he said.

Ban Ki-moon is considered by many analysts a "strong ally of Washington." The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice congratulated Ban Ki-moon’s re-election to what she called "one of the toughest jobs in the world." " No one understands the burdens of this role better than he," said Susan Rice, adding that Washington "is grateful that he is willing to take them on".

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