Russian Alexander Ivanko has been appointed by the UN Chief as new Head of the United Nations Mission for the Sahara (MINURSO) in replacement of Canadian Colin Stewart.
The announcement was made Friday by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres who thanked on this occasion the former Head of the MINURSO for his service and leadership.
Mr. Ivanko, who served as Chief of Staff of MINURSO since 2009, “brings to the position more than 30 years of experience in international affairs, peacekeeping and journalism”, said a UN press release.
He previously served as Director of Public Information for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (2006-2009) and as the United Nations Spokesperson in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1994-1998).
Mr. Ivanko began his career in journalism, working as a correspondent in Afghanistan and the USA for a Russian newspaper. He was also Senior Adviser to the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (1998-2005).