UN Chief Names Palestinian to Libya Post, Risking U.S. Objection
- Choice may add to Trump administration unhappiness with the UN
- Former Palestinian prime minister praised as strong, qualified
Salam Fayyad.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told the Security Council that he intends to appoint former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad as his special representative for Libya, risking a clash with the U.S. over a Palestinian holding such a senior position at the world body.
Guterres sent a letter to Ukraine’s United Nations ambassador, who holds the presidency of the Security Council this month, saying Fayyad was his choice to replace Martin Kobler as special representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he couldn’t confirm the appointment disclosed in the letter, which was obtained by Bloomberg News.