NEW PERMANENT OBSERVER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF LA FRANCOPHONIE PRESENTS LETTER OF NOMINATION

Libère Bararunyeretse, the new Permanent Observer of the International Organization of la Francophonie to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his letter of nomination to Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Bararunyeretse, a Burundian, had been serving, since 2002, as President of the Transitional Senate of Burundi. From 1997 to 2002, he was in charge of missions in the office of the President. From 1991 to 1995 he was, respectively, Minister for Reinstallation and Reintegration of Displaced and Repatriated Persons, Minister for External Relations and Cooperation and Minister of the Interior and Development.

In 1987, Mr. Bararunyeretse served as Ambassador of Burundi to Belgium and to the European Economic Community. From 1982 to 1987, he was an elected member of the National Assembly of Burundi, and also served as its Secretary-General. He was a member of the Unity Party for National Progress (UPRONA) from 1987 to 1991 and from 1980 to 1982. Mr. Bararunyeretse began his career as a history professor at the University of Burundi, where he worked from 1977 to 1980.

Born on 9 February 1954, Mr. Bararunyeretse is married and has four children. He holds degrees in philosophy and history from Bujumbura University, as well as both graduate and post-graduate degrees in history from the University of Brussels.

For use of the information media; not an official record


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