Nairobi, Kenya - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki Friday declared the country’s strong support for a second term for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, citing his engagements in reforming the worldwide body both in Kenya and in Africa. In a letter to Ban, President 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,” a statement from the President’s office said. President Kibaki praise 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.

The US has formally declared its backing for the Ban bid. The incumbent has also sought the backing of members of the UN Security Council membership for his re-election for a second five-year term at the helm of the worldwide body.

President Kibaki also saluted Ban for his support towards the United Nations operations both at the regional offices in Nairobi and Africa.

The UN Secretary-General is unlikely to face stiff opposition from the African bloc due to his perceived love for the need to reform the worldwide body and enhance its fight against injustices.

Supporters say his recent initiatives include the establishment of a high-level office to tackle the issues of gender and dealing with issues of women and conflict.

But his critics say his stay at the helm of the UN’s most influential post has been dominated by pro-American policy decisions, especially the implementation of plans aimed at cutting the UN expenditure on peacekeeping operations, which is seen as domestically sympathetic to the US policy.

Ban's preference for quiet diplomacy has earned him praise in some quarters, but also raised some strong condemnation from a section of the Scandinavian countries, which have viewed his stewardship as 'weak in character'.

Pana 12/06/2011