New U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Arrives in Beirut

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, arrived in Beirut on Saturday to officially take up his new responsibilities, his office said in a press release.

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon appointed Plumbly, a British diplomat, as his Special Coordinator last month, succeeding Michael Williams of the United Kingdom.

“In fulfilling his functions, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon is the Secretary-General’s representative to the Lebanese government, all political parties and the diplomatic community based in the country,” the statement said.

He is also the senior most U.N. officer in charge of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 adopted in 2006.

Plumbly is also tasked with coordinating the activities of the U.N. agencies with the Lebanese government, donors and international financial institutions, in line with the overall objectives of the U.N. in Lebanon.

The press release said that Plumbly has had a distinguished career in international affairs spanning over 35 years. He has held important posts dealing with the Middle East.

Most recently he was Chairman of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission charged with monitoring implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan (2008 to 2011).

He has also served as UK’s Ambassador to Egypt (2003-2007) and Saudi Arabia (2000-2003). He held the Foreign and Commonwealth Office posts of Director, Middle East and North Africa (1997 to 2000) and International Drugs Coordinator, Director of Drugs and Crime (1996-1997). From 1992 to 1996, Plumbly served as Head of Chancery at the UK Mission to the U.N. in New York.

Plumbly read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University. He is an Arabic speaker.