Commonwealth Secretary-General Congratulates UN Secretary-General Designate

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, today congratulated Mr Kofi Annan of Ghana on his election to the post of United Nations Secretary-General.

In a letter sent from the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, Chief Anyaoku said Mr Annan would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the post of the UN Secretary-General, particularly at this vital time for the world body and for multilateral diplomacy and co-operation in general. He also said he looked forward to meeting the new UN Secretary-General early in the new year.

"You may be assured that the Commonwealth will want to continue to work closely with the United Nations in facing the challenges ahead," the Commonwealth Secretary-General said.

Chief Anyaoku also sent his good wishes to the outgoing UN Secretary-General. He said it had been a pleasurable privilege to consult and work closely with Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali over the last five years. "I am sure that history will fully recognise your outstanding contribution to multilateralism and the global search for peace and security during your term," he said.

Note to Editors:
The Commonwealth has observer status at the United Nations and works closely with the world body and its agencies. Most recently, the Commonwealth Secretary-General signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in promoting the interests of youth and women. The Commonwealth also maintains a permanent office in New York for nine Commonwealth small states.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678

96/68 18 December 1996