U.N. diplomats say Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is likely to announce his plans to seek another five-year term as early as Monday.

Mr. Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, is poised to get another term pending a recommendation from the Security Council and a vote by the 192 members.

There has been no public announcement on a possible challenger for his job.

Mr. Ban, who succeeded Kofi Annan in 2007, has a reputation of extensive travel around world taking on sensitive issues, including Sudan's controversial recent takeover of the oil-rich Abyei region bordering southern Sudan.

Mr. Ban recently called on the African Union to stress to both sides a military showdown over Abyei is not an option.