Peacebuilding Commission

Organizational Committee

4^th Meeting (AM)

organizational committee of Peacebuilding Commission elects new chair

for country configuration on burundi

 

(Issued on 30 June 2009.)

The Organizational Committee of the third session of the Peacebuilding Commission elected Peter Maurer (Switzerland) by acclamation on Monday as Chair of the country-specific configuration on Burundi, replacing Anders Lidén of Sweden.

Committee Chairman Heraldo Muñoz (Chile) informed the meeting that Mr. Maurer could not be present due to pre-committed travel plans.  However, following his consultations with the Permanent Representative of Burundi and the outgoing Chair, they had all agreed that it was important to proceed with the election in order to ensure continuity in the leadership of the Burundi configuration.

Mr. Muñoz expressed, on behalf of Commission members, appreciation for Mr. Lidén’s dedication and tireless efforts in leading the Commission’s work in support of peacebuilding in Burundi, adding that he was confident that the Commission would continue to count on the outgoing Chairperson’s insight and commitment.

He further told the meeting that, following his consultations with the Permanent Representatives of Burundi, Sweden and Switzerland, it had been agreed that the Committee, with the permission of its members, would invite the Permanent Representatives of Burundi and Switzerland to its next formal meeting.

The Organizational Committee will meet again on 13 July.

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For information media • not an official record