UN's deputy mediator on Syria leaves office

Nasser al-Kidwa, United Nations' Deputy Joint Special Representative on Syria, has confirmed that he is leaving the position, a UN spokesperson said on Monday. A statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said, "United Nations and League of Arab States Deputy Joint Special Representative Nasser al-Kidwa has confirmed to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon his intention to leave his current position, effective this week." Al-Kidwa has indicated to Ban his willingness to serve the world organization in other capacities, should the Secretary- General wish, according to the statement. Ban expressed his appreciation to al-Kidwa for his service under both Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi and Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan in trying to end the bloodshed in Syria and move toward a Syrian-led transition based on the June 30 2012 Geneva communique. Al-Kidwa was appointed as a deputy to Brahimi's predecessor Kofi Annan in March 2012, and continued in the role under Brahimi. Prior to that, Al-Kidwa served in various functions with the Palestinian National Authority, including as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2006, and Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations from 1991 to 2005.