Representing women, peace, security

Norwegian diplomat Mari Skare will be NATO's special representative for women, peace and security, Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Tuesday. Rasmussen said he selected Skare to reinforce and promote the implementation by NATO of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. It is the first time NATO has appointed a special representative for these issues, he said. "The appointment of the Special Representative demonstrates how much NATO values the unique contribution of women to our armed forces and operations and their important role in conflict prevention and resolution," Rasmussen said. Skare currently serves as deputy permanent representative of Norway's Permanent Delegation to NATO. She has previously served as head of mission at Norway's embassy in Afghanistan and as a counselor at Norway's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Skare will assume her new position in September.