From rxpgnews.com
UN Security Council praises Annan's 'exceptional' leadership
By DPA,
Dec 23, 2006 - 4:30:35 PM
New York, Dec 23 - The UN Security Council has expressed deep appreciation to outgoing Secretary General Kofi Annan for his work in the past 10 years to reform and strengthen the world organisation.
The 15-nation council adopted a resolution by acclamation, praising Annan's contribution to 'international peace, security and development, his exceptional efforts to solve international problems in economic, social and cultural fields'.
It said Friday that Annan endeavoured 'to meet humanitarian needs and promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all'.
Annan met with the council for the last time before leaving the UN, for which he had been working for more than 40 years. He served two five-year terms in the organisation's top post, ending Dec 31.
He will be succeeded by former South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-moon Jan 1.
In his final address to the council, Annan said he hoped the council would be reformed to add more members to its current 15 to make it 'more democratic and representative in character'.
Annan said it was 'painful' for him to leave the UN while the Middle East remains in a 'fragile and dangerous condition'.
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