New UN Envoy for Syria Pedersen Takes Office – Statement

The United Nations’ new special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, took office on Monday, the press service of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria said in a statement.

“The new #UN Special Envoy for #Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, took up his functions today”, the statement on Twitter reads.

In turn, Pedersen said that he was looking forward to starting his work on the post.

SE: Honoured to assume duties in service of Syrian people and their aspirations for peace. As directed by SG, will provide good offices, work for peaceful solution & implementation of SCR2254. Looking forward to consulting broadly with concerned parties within & outside Syria

— UN Special Envoy for Syria (@UNEnvoySyria) January 7, 2019

The 63-year-old Norwegian is a veteran diplomat who has served in both UN and government roles, most recently as Norway’s ambassador to China.

Former UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said in October he would step down by the end of November but had to stay a bit longer. His career of four years includes mediating a way out of the seven-year Syrian war.

Source: New UN Envoy for Syria Pedersen Takes Office – Statement – Sputnik International