Former Palestinian Authority official Nasser Al-Kidwa was appointed by the United Nations and the League of Arab States as the new deputy Special Envoy for Syria.
Mr. Al-Kidwa will continue the works of Deputy Kofi Annan who is leaving his post in peace facilitation for the Syrian crisis at the end of this month.
Mr. Al-Kidwa is set to work with new Joint Representative Lakhdar Brahimi when he takes up his position following the end of Mr. Annan’s mandate on 31 August 2012.
“Mr. 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.” -UN spokesperson
Al-Kidwa used to serve at several posts with the Palestinian National Authority (PA). He was the minister for foreign affairs from 2005 to 2006, and permanent observer of Palestine to the United Nations from 1991 to 2005.
Mr. Annan, a former UN Secretary-General, was appointed in late February to serve as the high-level representative of the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis. The appointment aimed bring an end to all violence and human rights violations, and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.
As part of his efforts, Mr. Annan put forward a six-point peace plan to help end the Syrian crisis.
Earlier this month, United Nations-League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy for the Syrian crisis, Kofi Annan has announced his intention not to renew his mandate when it expires on 31 August 2012.
Reports say Mr. Annan has informed Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moonn and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Mr. Nabil El Araby on his resignation as UN League Joint Special envoy for the Syrian crisis
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has expressed his deepest gratitude to Mr. Annan for the determined and courageous efforts he has made as the Joint Special Envoy for Syria.”
The violence in Syria, which began in March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those witnessed across the Middle East and North Africa, has claimed over 10,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
