Russian diplomat appointed UN counter-terrorism head

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appointed Russian diplomat Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov under-secretary-general of the newly created UN Counter-Terrorism Office.

"The under-secretary-general will provide strategic leadership to UN counter-terrorism efforts, participate in the decision-making process of the UN, and ensure that the cross-cutting origins and impact of terrorism are reflected in the work of the UN," the UN said in a statement.

It said Voronkov is currently Russia's ambassador to the UN offices in Vienna.

"Mr. Voronkov brings to the position more than 30 years of experience within the Foreign Service working primarily on UN as well as responsibilities ranging from public diplomacy and social and economic development issues to intergovernmental affairs," it added.

The UN Counter-Terrorism Office was established by a General Assembly resolution on June 15.