New York, 13 October 2006 – The General Assembly will hold a plenary meeting today at 3 pm in the General Assembly Hall to consider the appointment of Ban Ki-moon to the position of Secretary-General. It is expected that he will be appointed by acclamation, or at least consensus, but it is technically possible for Member States to request a vote.

In today’s meeting, the current President of the Security Council, Ambassador Kenzo Oshima of Japan, will report on the Council’s decision of 9 October to nominate Ban Ki-moon. The GA will then “consider” the Council’s recommendation and “take action.”

The GA spokesperson explained this morning that, “Since the appointment is expected to be made by consensus, as opposed to by vote, “consideration” and “action” in this case do not imply discussion. However, a vote cannot be ruled out definitively, as any member state can request one.”

Statements are expected from the following speakers:

- President of the General Assembly

- Secretary-General Kofi Annan

- Regional Group Chairs

- Representative of Host country

- Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General-designate

If Ban is appointed, he will not take an oath of office, which has been attributed to the fact that he still holds the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Republic of Korea.