Ban Ki-moon wins second term as Secy. Gen.

NEW YORK, June 21 (UPI) -- Ban Ki-moon, appointed to a second term as U.N. Secretary-General, promised to work as a "harmonizer and bridge-builder."

Ban's appointment to a second term, to run from Jan. 1, 2012, through the end of 2016, was approved Tuesday by acclamation by the U.N. General Assembly acting on a recommendation from the members of the U.N. Security Council. Ban, who has been in office since January 2007, is the eighth person to hold the top post at the world body which now has 192 members.

General Assembly President Joseph Deiss, of Switzerland, praised Ban, saying he had provided leadership during a complex, difficult international environment "by adopting reform measures; launching exciting, innovative initiatives; and calling faithfully and constantly for respect for human rights, the rule of law and the other values rooted in our Charter."

Taking his oath of office by placing his hand on the original U.N. Charter, Ban promised to discharge his functions in the interests of the entire United Nations and to not seek or accept instructions from any government.

"As Secretary-General, I will work as a harmonizer and bridge-builder – among member states, within the United Nations system, and between the United Nations and a rich diversity of international partners," Ban said.

Ban said no challenge is too large and "together, nothing is impossible." He said people around the world are looking more and more to the United Nations to lead on key issues.