SECRETARY-GENERAL RE-APPOINTS LAKHDAR BRAHIMI AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFGHANISTAN

SECRETARY-GENERAL RE-APPOINTS LAKHDAR BRAHIMI

AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFGHANISTAN

On 3 October 2001, the Secretary-General re-appointed Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi as his Special Representative for Afghanistan.  Two years ago, Ambassador Brahimi’s activities had been "frozen" until such time as circumstances changed to justify his renewed engagement regarding Afghanistan.  In his letter to the Security Council the Secretary-General stressed that the time had come for Ambassador Brahimi to resume his role.

The Security Council noted with appreciation the Secretary-General’s intention to re-appoint his Special Representative.  Ambassador Brahimi arrived on 15 October at Headquarters to resume his functions that have been considerably enlarged.  He is entrusted with overall authority for the humanitarian, human rights and political endeavours of the United Nations in Afghanistan.  Also, he will initiate preparations for the transition to the post-conflict peace-building phase in Afghanistan through the development of plans for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of that shattered country.  Ambassador Brahimi will oversee the activities of and will be supported by the two existing pillars of the United Nations system regarding Afghanistan:  the Special Mission (UNSMA) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA).

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