The Sri Lankan government is to oppose the re‐election of Ban Ki‐moon as the UN Secretary General and will also seek the support of several other countries for this move, a senior government minister told on condition of anonymity.

 

The cabinet minister said that Sri Lanka would seek the support of countries such as India, Russia, Brazil, China and various developing countries and launch campaigns in these countries soon, to oppose the reappointment of Mr. Ban to the post of UN Secretary General.“Sri Lanka will not vote him in after his latest decision to appoint his expert panel. Sri Lanka will also discourage other countries in the region from voting for him,” the minister said.

 

“The government will begin the campaigns soon after discussions with the respective governments,” he added.

 

The term of Ban Ki‐moon as UN Secretary General will expire on December 31, 2011, and he is eligible for reappointment for a second term.

 

Mr. Ban Ki‐moon and the Sri Lankan government have been at loggerheads after his decision to appoint an expert panel to advise him on accountability issues relating to Sri Lanka.

 

Despite repeated calls by the Sri Lankan government to the effect that such a panel was ‘unwarranted’ and ‘uncalled for,’ Mr. Ban has maintained that his panel would remain and would submit a report to him within a period of four months.

 

(DM)