Biographical Note

NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF VENEZUELA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

(Based on information received from the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

Francisco Javier Arias Cárdenas, the new Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations, today presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Mr. Arias Cárdenas is currently President of the political movement “ Union for Progress” and of the civil association “For a Praiseworthy Venezuela”.

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Arias Cárdenas was President of the Colombian-Venezuelan Council for Border Governors, a post he held from 1997 to 2000.  From 1995 to 2000, he served two terms as Governor of Zulia state.

Before that, Mr. Arias Cárdenas was President of the Foundation for Mother and Child Food Programme.  From 1989 to 1992, he was Commander of the Multiple Launch Rocket Group of José Gregorio Monagas.

Mr. Arias Cárdenas was a Professor at the Venezuelan Army Artillery School from 1981 to 1982, and a Professor of the Venezuelan Military Academy from 1979 to 1981.

He studied Latin American Social and Political History at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Colombia, and Political Science at the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela.  Mr. Arias Cárdenas holds a Bachelor of Military Sciences degree from the Venezuelan Military Academy in Caracas, where he was a First Lieutenant.

Mr. Arias Cárdenas is married and has two children.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record