In February 2007, newly-inagurated Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon to represent him politically and to coordinate the work of the UN in the country.  The transformation to UNSCOL falls in line with global UN reform plans and with the Secretary-General’s pledge to improve the way the UN delivers its assistance. UNSCOL’s work focuses largely on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

S/2007/85

Letter dated 8 February 2007 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council

I have the honour to refer to paragraph 34 of the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council dated 20 July 2000 (S/2000/718), in which the Secretary-General expressed the intention to appoint a senior official to be based in Beirut to help to coordinate United Nations activities with regard to southern Lebanon. I also have the honour to refer to two letters to the President of the Security Council dated 29 March 2005 (S/2005/216) and 17 November 2005 (S/2005/725), which respectively expressed the Secretary-General’s intention to appoint Geir Pedersen to this position and subsequently changed the title of the post to Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Lebanon. It is my intention to now appoint Geir Pedersen as my Special Coordinator for Lebanon. In this capacity, he will be my representative in Lebanon responsible for coordinating the work of the United Nations in the country and representing me on all political aspects of the United Nations work there. Among other functions, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon will ensure that the activities of the United Nations country team in Lebanon are well coordinated with the Government of Lebanon, donors and international financial institutions in line with the overall objectives of the United Nations in Lebanon. I should be grateful if you would bring this letter to the attention of the members of the Security Council.

(Signed) Ban Ki-moon

S/2007/86

Letter dated 13 February 2007 from the President of the Security Council to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 8 February 2007 (S/2007/85) concerning your intention to appoint Geir Pedersen as your Special Coordinator for Lebanon has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They take note of the intention expressed in your letter.

(Signed) Peter Burian

President of the Security Council