Annan reappoints Brahimi as his Special Representative

Responding to the grave humanitarian and political situation affecting Afghanistan and the surrounding region, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday signalled his intention to reappoint Lakhdar Brahimi as his Special Representative to that country. In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Annan said that 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," Annan said. Brahimi 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. He is also charged with ensuring that the humanitarian and human rights dimensions of the evolving situation are central to political and security discussions. In addition to working on the humanitarian front, 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.