In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6173

SECRETARY-GENERAL ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

26 February 1997


Press Release
SG/SM/6173
HR/4322


SECRETARY-GENERAL ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

19970226 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has received a communication from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, José Ayala-Lasso, informing him of his decision to resign as High Commissioner for Human Rights, effective 15 March.

The Secretary-General has accepted with regret Mr. Ayala-Lasso's resignation and looks forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity as Foreign Minister of Ecuador.

Until a final decision is made regarding Mr. Ayala-Lasso's successor, the Secretary-General has decided to appoint "ad interim" and with immediate effect Ralph Zacklin, Director and Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, as the Officer-in-Charge during the selection process for the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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For information media. Not an official record.