Tripoli, 18 October 2012 - The new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Mr. Tarek Mitri, has taken up his post in Tripoli to lead United Nations efforts to assist Libya in its democratic transition.

"I shall be delighted to be a witness of the historic changes in Libya and committed to accompany them in solidarity with the Libyan people," Mr. Mitri said.

He noted that the UN has offered its assistance through the process of transformation and state building. "In line with the priorities defined by the Libyan legitimate authorities, the United Nations will continue to build on what has been achieved," the SRSG added.

Mr. Mitri was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as his Special Representative for Libya and Head of Mission of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on 12 September 2012, succeeding Mr. Ian Martin.

Mr. Mitri held the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Chair on Dialogue at Saint Joseph University in Beirut and served as a Senior Fellow at the American University of Beirut, Fares Center for Public Policy and International Affairs. Mr. Mitri has held several Ministerial portfolios with the Government of Lebanon from 2005 through 2011, including in Administrative Reform, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Culture and Information.