UNIS/BIO/818
3 September 2007

New Permanent Representative of the Syria Presents Credentials

VIENNA, 3 September (UN Information Service) -- The new Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohammad Badi Khattab, presented his credentials today to Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General, United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Khattab was serving as Ambassador of Syria to the European Union (since 2005).

Mr. Khattab has served in many capacities in the course of his career, including as: Détaché to the office of the Vice-President of the Syria (2004 - 2006), Director, Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2002 - 2005), Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Syria to Pakistan (2000 - 2002), Deputy Director, Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Director, International Organizations and Conferences Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Khattab holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from Damascus University, Syria, and a Master's degree in International Law from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. He is married and has three children.

* *** *