(2006-12-11) — Kofi Annan, just a day after delivering what was billed as his final speech before an American audience as U.N. Secretary-General, today gave what was billed as his “second final speech.”

“My first speech was like a Security Council resolution, recommending policy changes to one of our member states,” said Mr. Annan to an audience of well-wishers at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. “My remarks had all the impact and power of a U.N. resolution. So, today I will make my farewell speech again, recommending policy changes to one of our member states.”

Mr. Annan said he would continue to deliver his farewell speech periodically for 10 to 12 years, “or until something happens to make my suggestions irrelevant.”

John Bolton, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to the U.N., when told of Mr. Annan’s remarks, said simply, “What did Kofi mean by ‘until’?”