India supports Annan's second term

UNITED NATIONS, MARCH 31. India supports the U.N. Secretary- General, Mr. Kofi Annan's second term in office and has made its views known to him, diplomats and officials at the U.N. said today.

New Delhi told Mr. Annan that it appreciates his dedication to the work done by him. Mr. Annan, who recently visited India, had announced his decision to seek a second five- year term after he got strong backing from the 53-member African group and positive signals from Washington which later openly supported him.

Since then the 22-member Latin American group has backed him and most members of the 50-nation Asian group also support him. The Asian group at its recent meeting stopped short of formally endorsing him as some members said they were awaiting instructions from their Governments. The sixty-two year old Mr. Annan, who is from Ghana, is now virtually assured of re-election which would mean a third consecutive term for Africa as Mr. Boutros Boutros Ghali of Egypt had served one term prior to Mr. Annan.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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