U.S. President Barack Obama is backing Ban Ki-moon’s bid to get a new term as United Nations secretary-general, according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
“President Obama welcomes United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s announcement that he will run for a second term, and the United States supports his candidacy,” Carney said June 7.
>> Ban Ki-moon Announces Bid for Second UN Term
Carney said the United Nations, under Ban’s leadership, has had a “critical role” in responding to global challenges such as the post-election situation in Ivory Coast, the earthquake in Haiti, the referendum on Southern Sudan’s self-determination, and the political and humanitarian crises in Libya.
He also lauded the reforms introduced by Ban at the global body, including increased hiring of women to senior positions and proposed deep cuts to the U.N. budget.
“The United States strongly supports further efforts for reform to improve effectiveness, streamline bureaucracy, reduce costs, and update business practices to improve the United Nations’ ability to meet its mandate to promote global peace and security, human rights and development,” Carney added.
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