Clinton is UN special tsunami envoy

Clinton will lead the global efforts to aid reconstruction of the tsunami-hit nations, reports S Rajagopalan.

Bill Clinton has a new high-profile assignment. He has been named the United Nations special envoy to lead global efforts to aid the recovery and reconstruction of the tsunami-hit nations.

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Announcing the appointment, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said: "President Clinton will bring energy, dynamism and focus to the task of sustaining world interest in the vital recovery and reconstruction phase following the tsunami disaster."

Clinton, consenting to the appointment, said he will take charge of the new responsibility after returning from his scheduled visit of the affected nations along with former President George Bush Sr later this month.

Significantly, Clinton's assignment will extend to aiding efforts for a resolution of long-standing internal conflicts in two of the worst-hit countries: Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

UN spokesman Fred Eckhard confirmed that Annan was hopeful that Clinton would be able to deploy his political skills to facilitate peace negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE and between the Indonesian government and the rebels in Aceh province.

In the wake of the tsunami tragedy, the warring factions in both countries have suspended their combat.

Annan is hoping to capitalise on it by getting Clinton to intervene with a peace initiative.