United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday announced the appointment of seasoned mediator Jean Arnault as his new personal envoy on Afghanistan and regional issues, reflecting the organization's continued commitment to the peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict in the country. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said that Arnault "will work closely with SRSG Deborah Lyons and the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), whose long standing work in support of the peace process as well as regional cooperation will continue, as mandated." The responsibilities of the Personal Envoy include to liaise, on behalf of the secretary-general, with regional countries with the aim of supporting the negotiations between Afghanistan and the Taliban and implementation of any agreements which are reached, Dujarric added. "Given the importance of regional cooperation in support to Afghanistan, the personal envoy will seek to advance the good neighborly relations contributing to peace in the country", the spokesperson said. Dujarric also said that in addition to working closely with UNAMA, the personal envoy will rely on the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and that he will report through the Department to the Secretary-General. Rosemary DiCarlo, head of DPPA, welcomed Arnault, adding that his appointment "reflects our strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Afghanistan conflict." Arnault, a French national, brings over 30 years of experience in international diplomacy focusing on peace settlements and mediation, with extensive background in UN missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, including Afghanistan, according to a note issued by the spokesperson. His most recent assignments included delegate of the secretary-general to the Colombia peace talks and special representative of the secretary-general for Colombia from 2015 to 2018; and personal envoy of the secretary-general for Bolivia from 2019 to 2020. — UN news
