UN General Assembly
Photo: Reuters
Meiron Reuven named temporary ambassador to UN
Career diplomat currently serves as Israeli ambassador to Colombia. Lieberman: He's the right man for the job. Permanent envoy to UN to be named at later date
Meiron Reuven, who has served as Israel's ambassador to a number of South American countries, has been named temporary ambassador to the UN, Ynet reported Friday. He is due to replace Gabriela Shalev, whose two-year term officially ended Thursday.
According to the Yedioth Ahronoth daily, a permanent ambassador will be appointed at a later time.
Reuven, 49, who was born in South Africa, currently serves as ambassador to Colombia. He filled the same position Paraguay and Bolivia.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman met Reuven during a visit to Colombia about a year ago and was impressed with his professionalism. "He is an experienced diplomat, and the positions he has held since entering the Foreign Ministry in 1988 prove he can handle the challenges facing Israel in the UN," the foreign minister said.
Shalev and the Israeli mission to the UN marked the end of her term with an event held at a Manhattan restaurant. Deputy Mission Director Daniel Carmon, Israel's Consul General in New York Asaf Shariv and his deputy Benjamin Krasna will also be leaving the Big Apple.
During the party, US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said history will place Shalev as one of the best representatives Israel had ever sent to the UN.
Itamar Eichner contributed to the report
