LOC14:54
11:54 GMT
PARIS, July 9 (KUNA) -- The French government welcomed on Thursday the UN
Secretary-General's nomination of Ad Melkert as Special Representative and
Head of Mission for the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).
"His broad experience, notably in the service of the United Nations, will
provide without doubt a precious advantage for the accomplishment of his
mission," a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Melkert, 53, is a Dutch national and has previously served with his
government and also with the World Bank and the UN Development Program (UNDP).
"In the framework of the full reintegration of Iraq into the international
community and the restoration of its sovereignty, we are determined to work in
close cooperation with Ad Melkert," the French statement noted.
It also praised outgoing UN representative in Iraq, Staffan De Mistura, who
served almost two years there and acted as advisor and brought assistance to
the Iraqi government where appropriate. (end)
jk.ema
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