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Annan reappoints Lakhdar Brahimi his special envoy to Afghanistan

Annan reappoints Lakhdar Brahimi his special envoy to Afghanistan

Responding to the grave humanitarian and political situation affecting Afghanistan and the surrounding region, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today signalled his intention to reappoint Lakhdar Brahimi as his Special Representative to that country.

In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Mr. Annan expressed his strong belief that the time has come for Mr. Brahimi to resume his role, which had been put on hold in 1999. At that time, Mr. Annan had reported to the Council that "given the lack of progress achieved so far, [the Special Envoy's] activities should be 'frozen' until circumstances change to justify his renewed intervention."

In the letter released today, the Secretary-General said that Mr. Brahimi would be in charge of the UN's overall humanitarian and political work in Afghanistan. "He will also initiate preparations for the development of plans for the rehabilitation of that shattered country," the Secretary-General said.

The Special Representative will oversee negotiations with all concerned parties for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all populations in need, while advocating for the rights and protection of affected populations.

In addition to working on the humanitarian front, Mr. Brahimi will manage peacemaking activities involving the warring parties and others concerned, with a view to facilitating a fully representative, multiethnic and broad-based government.

The Special Representative is also charged with ensuring that the humanitarian and human rights dimensions of the evolving situation are central to political and security discussions.

In carrying out his work, Mr. Brahimi will oversee the activities of - and be supported by - the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.