— Photo: AP

Ban Ki-moon

UNITED NATIONS: South Korea's Ban Ki-moon, sworn in eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations on Thursday, promised to make his top priority the restoration of trust in the world body, which has been tarnished by corruption scandals.

Mr. Ban, 62, will take over the U.N. reins on January 1, when Kofi Annan steps down after 10 years at the helm. He will be the first Asian to lead the organisation in 35 years.

Battered by scandals

Mr. Ban will oversee an organisation with some 92,000 peacekeepers around the world and a $5-billion (euro 3.8 billion) annual budget. Its reputation has been battered by scandals in the oil-for-food programme in Iraq and in peacekeeping procurement.

General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa administered the oath of office to the career diplomat, who served as South Korea's Foreign Minister. Mr. Ban swore to conduct himself solely in U.N. interests and refuse to accept instructions from any government or other authority.

In a brief address, Mr. Ban told delegates from the 192 U.N. member-states that he was "deeply mindful" of key words in the oath — "loyalty, discretion and conscience." These "will be my watchwords as I carry out my duties as Secretary-General."

He pledged "to set the highest ethical standard" and "work to enhance morale, professionalism and accountability among staff members, which in turn will help us serve member-states better, and restore trust in the organisation."

Mr. Ban paid a warm tribute to Mr. Annan, saying "it is an honour to follow in your revered footsteps."

Before the ceremony, diplomats also paid tribute to Mr. Annan and approved a resolution lauding his "many bold initiatives" to reduce poverty, promote peace and security, protect the environment and launch the reform process.

They gave him a sustained standing ovation. — AP

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