Brussels, 26/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union: "Today, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announced that he is available for a second term in office. The EU warmly welcomes this announcement. The EU also notes that later this year, the Security Council will make its recommendation to the General Assembly concerning the appointment of Secretary-General for the next term."
According to diplomatic sources, Mr. Annan, today aged 63, should not run up against much opposition to his reelection. He already has the backing of 53 African countries and the United States. The deputy spokesman for the State Department, Philip Reeker, declared last week that "his action as Secretary General has been exceptional". Of Ghanean nationality, Mr. Annan took office on 1 January 1997. His current term will end on 31 December.