UN appoints Claudio Cordone as Deputy Special Envoy to Syria

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Italian diplomat Claudio Cordone as Deputy Special Envoy to Syria. He will officially assume his duties on January 1st, replacing Najat Rochdi of Morocco.

In its statement, the United Nations said that Guterres expressed his gratitude to Rochdi for her efforts during her tenure and for her role in supporting the political process related to the Syrian file.

Since 2022, Cordone has served as Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He also headed UNRWA operations in Lebanon between 2017 and 2022. His past positions include several human rights and UN posts, such as leading the Human Rights and Transitional Justice Division at the UN Support Mission in Libya, and heading the Human Rights Office at the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cordone’s appointment comes at a time when the United Nations is emphasizing the importance of giving renewed momentum to diplomatic efforts and supporting the political settlement process in Syria in accordance with relevant international resolutions.