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UN Security Council praises Annan for 'exceptional' leadership
Dec 23, 2006, 0:49 GMT
New York - The UN Security Council on Friday expressed deep appreciation to outgoing Secretary General Kofi Annan for his work in the past 10 years to reform and strengthen the world organization.
The 15-nation council adopted a resolution by acclamation, praising Annan's contribution to 'international peace, security and development, his exceptional efforts to solve international problems in economic, social and cultural fields.'
It said Annan endeavoured 'to meet humanitarian needs and promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.'
Annan met with the council for the last time before leaving the UN, for which he had been working for more than 40 years. He served two five-year terms in the organization's top post, ending on December 31.
He will be succeeded by former South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-moon on January 1.
In his final address to the council, Annan said he hoped the council would be reformed to add more members to its current 15 to make it 'more democratic and representative in character.'
Annan said it was 'painful' for him to leave the UN while the Middle East remains in a 'fragile and dangerous condition.'
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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