The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, announced today the appointment of the French diplomat, Jean Arnault, as his personal envoy to the conflict in the Middle East.
In statements during the unveiling of his new envoy, Guterres said that the situation in the Middle East is “out of control,” stressing that the world faces “the risk of a broader war erupting.”
He said that he is in “close contact” with many parties in the region and around the world, pointing out that there are a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at dialogue and peace in the region.
Guterres praised Envoy Arnault and his “competence” in managing the outstanding files and issues in the Middle East region, expressing his confidence in the work he will accomplish “given his record in diplomatic work in his country.”
It is noteworthy that Nickolay Mladenov is the United Nations envoy to the Middle East and has held this position since 2015, after the end of the term of his predecessor, Robert Serry, who held the position from November 2007 to February 5, 2015.
