JAN EGELAND APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO COLOMBIA
Press Release
SG/A/715
JAN EGELAND APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO COLOMBIA
19991209The Secretary-General had decided to appoint Jan Egeland of Norway as his Special Adviser for International Assistance to Colombia in order to serve as the focal point for the United Nations system in its efforts to mobilize international assistance for social, humanitarian, human rights, drug control (alternative development projects) and peace-building activities in Colombia. He will serve as a channel between the Secretary-General and the Colombian Government and other relevant actors, and will consult widely within and outside Colombia on how the United Nations system can best promote human rights, humanitarian assistance, development and peace.
Mr. Egeland has most recently been Special Adviser to the Norwegian Red Cross and the International Peace Research Institute in Oslo, as well as consultant to the Inter-American Development Bank. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Egeland was Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway.
Mr. Egeland has wide experience in international affairs. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in initiating and organizing the Norwegian Channel between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization that led to the Oslo Accords. From 1990-1996, he directed the Norwegian facilitation of peace talks between the Government of Guatemala and the URNG guerrillas until the cease-fire accord was signed in Oslo. Mr. Egeland also has directed assistance and conflict resolution programmes in many other countries and regions, including Burundi, the Caucasus, Mali, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sudan, and the f ormer Yugoslavia.
Mr. Egelands appointment is effective from 1 December.
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