Outgoing UN Envoy For Middle East Makes Final Visit To Peacekeepers In Lebanon
The top United Nations envoy in the Middle East has paid a farewell visit to the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon as
he gets ready to leave after more than five years in his post.
Terje Roed-Larsen, who has been the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process since September 1999, met
General Alain Pellegrini, Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), spokesman Fred Eckhard told reporters
today in New York.
Mr. Roed-Larsen also spoke to Lebanon's Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who thanked him for his efforts in the
region, particularly during the time of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Mr. Roed-Larsen, who completes his service at the end of this year, is now scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to hold
talks with senior officials from that country.
Last month he became the first UN official to appear before the Israeli Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence
Committee, where he told lawmakers that there were "potential opportunities" for peace in the troubled region.