EU Presidency declaration on UNSG re-election

The Presidency of the European Union warmly congratulates the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his re-election today in the General Assembly for a second term in office.

The overwhelming support for Kofi Annan provides him with a clear mandate to continue the important work he has initiated in a number of areas during his first term.

The election today is recognition of the outstanding contribution of Mr. Annan to revitalize the entire UN system. His clear vision of the new challenges in the globalized world of the 21st century has made the United Nations a stronger and more relevant actor. A crowning achievement was the hosting of the successful Millennium Summit in September 2000.

Kofi Annan has proved to be an eloquent and persistent spokesman for human rights. By putting the individual at the core of the United Nation's missions, and by stressing the interdependent nature of crisis management, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and economic and social progress, he has contributed to a more integrated and coherent approach to effective, long-term peace building.

The European Union looks forward to working closely with the UN Secretary-General and further developing the already comprehensive relationship between the European Union and the United Nations.

Kofi Annan's steadfast and visionary leadership - humble yet forceful - and strong commitment to renewal and reform, will be indispensable as he enters into his second term as UN Secretary-General. In doing so, he can count on the full support of the European Union.

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