New York

22 May 2019

Note to correspondents: Resignation of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, former President of Germany, Horst Köhler

The Secretary-General spoke to Mr. Köhler today who informed him of his decision to step down from his role for health reasons. 
 
The Secretary-General deeply regretted the resignation but said he fully understood the decision and extended his best wishes to the Personal Envoy. 
 
The Secretary-General expressed his profound gratitude to Mr. Köhler for his steadfast and intensive efforts which laid the foundation for the new momentum in the political process on the question of Western Sahara.
 
The Secretary-General is also grateful to the parties and the neighboring states for their engagement with Mr. Köhler in the political process.