SECRETARY-GENERAL NAMES CANADA’S DANIEL BELLEMARE COMMISSIONER OF INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT COMMISSION, PROSECUTOR OF SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON

The Secretary-General has appointed Daniel Bellemare of Canada as the Commissioner of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to resolution 1595 (2005).  Mr. Bellemare will succeed Serge Brammertz of Belgium.

Most recently, Mr. Bellemare served as Deputy Attorney General of Canada and Special Adviser to the Deputy Minister of Justice.  He retired on 29 September 2007.

The Secretary-General wishes to thank Mr. Brammertz for his leadership in advancing the investigation and for his commitment to assisting the Lebanese Government and people in bringing an end to impunity in their country.

Pursuant to article 3 of the annex to Security Council resolution 1757 (2007) on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon of 30 May 2007, and upon the recommendation of the selection panel established for this purpose, the Secretary-General has also appointed Mr. Bellemare as the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal.  However, Mr. Bellemare will commence his official duties as the Prosecutor at a later date.

In accordance with article 17, paragraph (a) of the annex to resolution 1757 (2007), the Secretary-General is of the view that this approach will ensure a coordinated transition from the activities of the Commission to those of the Office of the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal.

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For information media • not an official record