UN chief names Singaporean as special adviser for Timor Leste

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Monday announced the appointment of Dr Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore, the current executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as his special adviser for Timor-Leste, China's state news agency reported. -- BT FILE PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Monday announced the appointment of Dr Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore, the current executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as his special adviser for Timor-Leste, China's state news agency reported.

Dr Heyzer, who was appointed to the current position by Mr Ban in July 2007, will carry out both functions concurrently, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters here.

"She will work closely with the government and with the United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations CountryTeam to support the continuing efforts of Timor-Leste towards peace building, state-building and inclusive and sustainable development," Xinhua news agency quoted Mr Nesirky as saying.

Dr Heyzer will also further strengthen the on-going partnership between the Timor-Leste government and the United Nations to help improve the lives of the people in the country, Xinhua reported.

Published on Jun 11

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