Ban has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Johan Verbeke, his current UN special coordinator for Lebanon, to the post of the secretary-general's special representative in Georgia and head of the UN Observer Mission to that country, known as UNOMIG.

Verbeke will succeed Jean Arnault, who will be reassigned shortly, Ban's spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

A career diplomat from Belgium, Verbeke has extensive experience with the UN system, including as his country's permanent representative to the organization from September 2004 to April this year, Montas said.

The secretary-general also informed the council of his plan to appoint Michael Williams of Britain to replace Verbeke as special coordinator for Lebanon.

Williams has previously served as the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and was most recently the British representative for the Middle East and special projects.

Verbeke 's short assignment

Johan Verbeke, was only recently ( April 18) appointed UN special coordinator for Lebanon

According Inner City Press ( ICP) Verbeke "had run into unspecified personal issues" in his assignment . ICP cited UN spokesperson Michele Montas as the source of this revelation

ICP sources also reported that Verbeke faced threats to his safety, "to such an extent that rather than rely on UN Security, he approached the Lebanese government and even the Hariri family. Neither could offer assurances. He stayed for a time in the Movenpick hotel ,but ultimately he left Lebanon due to lack of security"

Share this Article:           
Feedback? We want to hear your thoughts!