Sigrid Kaag named new UN coordinator for Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS - Sigrid Kaag, who has led the joint mission to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons, was named new UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Monday.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced the appointment by the UN chief Ban Ki-moon at a regular briefing here. Kaag will succeed Derek Plumbly of the United Kingdom, who has led the UN work in Lebanon for more than two years.

Kaag headed the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Mission to oversee the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles. The mission ended in September after nearly all of Syrian's chemical weapons have been eliminated.

"She brings with her a wealth of experience in political, humanitarian and development affairs alongside her diplomatic service, including in the Middle East," said the appointment statement.

Since 1994, Kaag has been working in the UN system, where she has held positions in the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the UN Development Programme, among others.

Since its civil war came to an end in 1990, Lebanon has been struggled to chart a fully peaceful, democratic and sovereign future. The United Nations is working on multiple fronts to help the nation fulfill the aspirations.