Following a private meeting at Headquarters today, the Security Council issued the following official communique: At its 3725th meeting, held in private on 13 December 1996, the Security Council considered the question of the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Security Council adopted by acclamation the following resolution: "The Security Council, "Having considered the question of the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, "Recommends to the General Assembly that Mr. Kofi Annan be appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations for a term of office from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2001." Thereafter, the Security Council unanimously adopted by acclamation the following resolution: "The Security Council, "Recognizing the central role that the Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali has played in guiding the Organization in the discharge of his responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations, "Further recognizing his sustained efforts towards finding just and lasting solutions to various disputes and conflicts around the globe, "Commending the reforms that he has initiated and the many proposals that he has made on the restructuring and strengthening of the role and functioning of the United Nations system, "1. Acknowledges the contribution of the Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali to international peace, security and development, his exceptional efforts to solve international problems in economic, social and cultural fields, as well as his endeavours to meet humanitarian needs and to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all; "2. Expresses its deep appreciation to Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali for his dedication to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter and to the development of friendly relations among nations."
* *** *
