Appointment of Annan’s special adviser on Africa extended another year

The United Nations Security Council has agreed, at the request of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, to extend the term of appointment of Mohamed Sahnoun, Mr. Annan’s Special Adviser on Africa.

In an exchange of letters with last month’s Council President, Ambassador Ismael Abraão Gaspar Martins of Angola, but released today, the Secretary-General asked for Mr. Sahnoun’s term to be extended until 31 December 2004.

He said Mr. Sahnoun had been following developments in the Horn of Africa region, particularly in Somalia and the Sudan, and had represented him at regional meetings.

Mr. Annan added that Mr. Sahnoun had provided advice “on what useful role the UN could play to promote negotiated settlements of conflicts.”