United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday appointed Staffan de Mistura as the world body's top envoy to Afghanistan. De Mistura, who has worked for the U.N. for more over 30 years, succeeds Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide who leaves his post at the end of February. Ban made the announcement at the London Conference on Afghanistan. "Mr. de Mistura will take up his duties on 1 March. He brings to the job great skill and a wealth of experience," Ban said. "I trust you will give him your full support as we work together towards our common objectives-peace, stability and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan." De Mistura, who holds joint Swedish and Italian citizenship, was previously the U.N.'s special representative to Iraq and also represented the U.N. Children's Fund in Somalia.
