Malaysia reiterates support for Thai deputy PM as next U.N. chief

Updated:2006-02-17 23:52:45
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Malaysia reiterates support for Thai deputy PM as next U.N. chief
AP
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia has voiced fresh support for
Thailand's deputy prime minister to become the next United Nations
secretary-general.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Malaysia had given its commitment to
back Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai following
endorsements by the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations in
2004 and 2005.

"Malaysia, as chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee, would like to
reiterate that support," said the brief statement issued late Friday.

It made no reference to South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon's
announcement on Tuesday that he is also seeking to succeed U.N.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Another Asian candidate is Jayantha Dhanapala, the former U.N.
disarmament chief from Sri Lanka, who recently represented his
government in peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Annan's replacement will be picked by the U.N. General Assembly based
on a recommendation from the U.N. Security Council.

Annan's term expires on Dec. 31.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.





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02/17/06 23:52 EST

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