Biographical Note

Secretary-General Appoints Martin Kobler of Germany Deputy Special

 

Representative (Political) for Afghanistan

 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced the appointment of Martin Kobler of Germany as his Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan, replacing Peter Galbraith of the United States.

The new Deputy Special Representative will be responsible for political issues, including electoral and parliamentary matters, as well as questions relating to peace and stability, security-sector reform and human rights.

With more than 25 years in his country’s foreign service, Mr. Kobler has vast experience in developing policies for conflict areas.  He most recently served as Director-General for Culture and Communication in Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was Ambassador to Iraq and Egypt from 2003 to 2007.

He was Chief of Cabinet to former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer between 2000 and 2003, and Deputy Chief of Cabinet from 1998 to 2000.  Mr. Kobler was Deputy Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Balkan Task Force from 1997 to 1998, prior to which he established the German representation with the Palestinian Authority in Jericho.

He has also served as an Electoral Observer with United Nations missions in Haiti, Nicaragua and Cambodia.

Mr. Kobler holds an advanced law degree and speaks English, French, German, Indonesian and Arabic.

Born in 1953, he is married and has three children.

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For information media • not an official record