UN’s Pronk heads to New York for consultations with Annan

Oct 22, 2006 (UNITED NATIONS) — United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has requested his senior envoy to Sudan, Jan Pronk, to come to New York for consultations after the Sudanese government officially requested his withdrawal today.

On Friday, a UN spokesman was asked about comments on Pronk’s blog as well as reports that Sudan was declaring him persona non grata. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the views expressed on the blog were personal, and that the Government had presented no official request concerning Pronk.

Today, in a statement released in New York, the spokesman said Mr. Annan had this morning received a letter from the Government of Sudan requesting Mr. Pronk’s withdrawal.

“The Secretary-General is reviewing the letter and has, in the meantime, requested Pronk to come to New York for consultations,” Dujarric said.

(UN news)