S. Korean FM to run for top post of UN

South Korean government made clear Tuesday that its Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon will run for the post of secretary general of the United Nations.

"We will notify the Security Council of his candidacy through a letter addressed to its president once the council officially commences the election process," the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement read by Vice Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan.

"Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon brings to his candidacy nearly four decades of extensive experience and a brilliant reputation as a diplomat and administrator, much of it directly relating to issues of peace and security, development, and human rights and democracy, the three pillars on which the United Nations stands," Yu said.

Yu also stressed South Korea has unique experience of being a bridge between developed and developing countries.

It "provides a unique advantage point from which to play a bridging role between developed and developing countries, between advanced democracies and new and aspiring democracies," he added.

It is the first time for a South Korean to attend the race of the U.N. secretary general.

Ban, 61, is a career diplomat with 36 years of service and he also has extensive experience at the U.N.

He was tapped by South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as Seoul's top diplomat in early 2004. Before that, he was national security advisor to Roh.

South Korea's announcement came as the campaign for the post is moving into high gear, with current Secretary General Kofi Annan's second five-year term nearing an end.

Annan's term will end at the end of this year, and his successor is expected to be chosen in the fall.

Up to now, Sri Lanka has named diplomat Jayantha Dhanapala and Thailand named Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai to run for the post.

Tuesday's announcement marked the official beginning of the South Korea's campaign for the position. From late last year, local media occasionally reported the government's move to nominate Ban as the candidate for the place.

Source: Xinhua