Annan Likely To Stand For Second Term

Kofi Annan, United Nations secretary-general, is widely expected to announce on Thursday that he will stand for a second term.

Diplomats predict the Security Council and the General Assembly will grant the Ghanaian another five-year term when the issue comes to a vote at the end of the year, even though some feel the post should go next to an Asian candidate.

The Asian nations have, however, been unable to rally round a candidate of their own and China, a veto-holding member of the Security Council, has not been willing to disclose its position.

Mr Annan gained his clearest endorsement last week from 53 African nations, including South Africa, Gabon and Algeria.

"We have surveyed and meticulously assessed the mood of member states. And we have come to the conclusion that there is an overwhelming demonstrated interest in the incumbent continuing his office for another term," said Roble Olhaye, Djibouti's ambassador to the UN.

The endorsement is exactly what Mr Annan needed to feel comfortable to seek another term, diplomats said. "He never wanted to look like he was chasing this," said one European official. "He wants to do this before he goes to see President George W. Bush so it doesn't look like he is seeking permission from the US."

Getting approval from the US is vital as proven by Mr Annan's predecessor, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who was blocked by a US veto from serving another term following his stint from 1991-1996.

That is not expected to happen again this time, even though the new administration has not yet endorsed Mr Annan publicly.

Mr Annan is expected to pick up that endorsement on Friday when he travels to Washington to meet President Bush for the first time since he took over the presidency in January.

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, UK ambassador to the UN, on Tuesday lauded Mr Annan for "driving forward a programme of reform and modernisation of the UN and for personifying the UN with his dignity, integrity and moral authority".

In many circles Mr Annan is viewed as the most popular secretary-general since Sweden's Dag Hammarskjold, the UN's second secretary-general.

Mr Annan has been able to judge the power and the limitations of his position more accurately than most.