Annan's envoy for Colombia appointed President of Norwegian Red Cross

The senior adviser of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Colombia has been named the next President of the Norwegian Red Cross, a UN spokesman said today.

Special Adviser Jan Egeland will take up his new position in January 2002, spokesman Fred Eckhard said in New York.

"The Secretary-General would like to congratulate Mr. Egeland warmly on this appointment," the spokesman said in a statement. "Mr. Egeland has made a decisive contribution to the UN's support for Colombia's efforts to end violence and bring peace to the country. He has worked tirelessly to promote peace, human rights, humanitarian assistance and development in the country."

Mr. Egeland will continue in his functions as Special Adviser until January, the statement said, and arrangements for his succession will be announced separately.