Geopolitics
Governance/Geopolitics
Guterres appoints former German President Köhler as his Western Sahara envoy

Just Earth News | @@justearthnews | 17 Aug 2017, 04:56 am Print

Guterres appoints former German President Köhler as his Western Sahara envoy

Mark Garten

New York, Aug 17(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Wednesday the appointment of Horst Köhler, former President of Germany, as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.

The new Personal Envoy succeeds Christopher Ross of the United States who completed his assignment on 30 April 2017. The Secretary-General is grateful for Ross' tireless efforts and dedication to facilitate negotiations between the parties in order to achieve a just, durable and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Köhler brings more than 35 years of experience in government and international organizations, including as President of Germany (2004-2010), Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. (2000-2004), and President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London (1998-2000).

Further, he served as State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance (1990-1993) before being appointed President of the German Savings Bank Association (1993).