SecGen appoints Special Coordinator in the OTs/UN assistance focal point – Press release

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS TERJE RØED LARSEN OF NORWAY

AS SPECIAL COORDINATOR IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

The following statement was made by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

"I have decided to appoint Ambassador Terje Rød Larsen to Norway as my Special Coordinator in the occupied territories, effective 1 June.  As you may be aware, Ambassador Larsen has played an important role in facilitating the negotiations between the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles last September and to the agreement on Gaza and Jericho signed earlier this month in Cairo.  I am delighted that the United Nations will be represented by someone with a deep knowledge of the area, excellent contacts with the concerned parties, and expertise in the economic and social fields.

"In serving as Special Coordinator, Ambassador Larsen will be a focal point for all United Nations economic, social and other assistance to the Palestinians in the occupied territories.  He will provide overall guidance to, and facilitate coordination among the United Nations programmes and the agencies operating in the territories — namely, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) — so as to ensure an integrated and unified approach to economic and social development.  In addition to these coordinating functions, Ambassador Larsen will support the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, as requested by the parties."

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