UN names new Deputy representative for Syria

Former Palestinian Authority official Nasser Al-Kidwa will follow up his work as Deputy for Kofi Annan, who is leaving his role in peace facilitation for the Syrian crisis at the end of this month, by serving as Deputy to the new Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, a UN spokesman said today. Al-Kidwa will begin working with new Joint Representative Lakhdar Brahimi when he takes up his position following the expiration of Annan's mandate on 31 August 2012, UN news center reported. Nasser Al Kidwa brings to the position his extensive diplomatic experience and deep knowledge of the region, in addition to his recent involvement in UN peacemaking efforts on Syria as Deputy to the Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan," the spokesperson said in New York. He added that both Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, and his counterpart at the League of Arab States, Nabil El Araby, were pleased to make the announcement of the appointment.