Algerian Brahimi to Replace Annan as Syria Envoy

Former Algerian foreign minister Lakhdar Brahimi, member of the Elders group, speaks during a press conference in Damascus, Syria, 19 October 2010. Photo by BGNES

Veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi is expected to be appointed as the new UN-Arab League envoy for Syria, according to diplomatic sources.

The official announcement for Brahimi's appointment could come next week, according to reports of the BBC.

According to diplomats speaking on condition on anonymity , however, that there could be last-minute changes if a key government objects to Brahimi's bid or if he himself gives up on the idea.

Ex-Spanish foreign affairs minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Spain's Javier Solana, a former NATO chief and European Union foreign policy head have been listed as other contenders for the post.

Lakhdar Brahimi, 78, served as Algerian foreign minister between 1991-3 and was twice appointed as the UN's top envoy for Afghanistan, in 1996-8 and in 2001-4. He has held similar roles for Haiti and South Africa.

As a senior Arab League official between 1984-91, he brokered an end to the Lebanese civil war.

On August 2, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan resigned from the post of UN-Arab League envoy for Syria, saying that he had not received the support he needed in his mission.

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