Senior Eritrean diplomat appointed Annan’s new representative in Liberia

A senior diplomat from Eritrea has been appointed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan as his new representative in Liberia and head of United Nations operations in that country.

In an exchange of letters with the President of the Security Council, Mr. Annan said that Ambassador Haile Menkerios, a former Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the UN, would head the UN Peace-building Support Office in Liberia (UNOL) starting on 1 February.

Ambassador Menkerios replaces Félix Downes-Thomas, who was praised by the Secretary-General for accomplishing his mission in Liberia “with distinction and devotion.”