SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO OUTGOING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF ECLAC, GERD ROSENTHAL

3 October 1997

Press Release
SG/A/654
REC/12

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO OUTGOING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF ECLAC, GERD ROSENTHAL

19971003 Cites His 'Substantial Contribution' To Economic Structures in Latin American and Caribbean

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

The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Gerd Rosenthal, will leave his post at the end of 1997. A distinguished economist from Guatemala, Mr. Rosenthal has served the Organization in this capacity for the past 10 years.

To succeed Mr. Rosenthal, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has designated José Antonio Ocampo, a national of Colombia. Currently serving as his country's Finance Minister, Mr. Ocampo will assume duties on 1 January 1998, in Santiago, Chile.

On behalf of the United Nations system, the Secretary-General wishes to express his deepest gratitude to Mr. Rosenthal for his dedication at the helm of ECLAC and for his very substantial contribution to the economic structures in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Rosenthal's commitment and professionalism is yet another example of how individuals can make a difference.

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