BEIRUT, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Mohamed Ali Alhakim, arrived Wednesday in Beirut to assume his post.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport, Alhakim thanked his predecessor Rima Khalaf, adding that the commission will resume the implementation of projects the former executive secretary has embarked on.
"ESCWA's work is not confined to drawing strategies, but also applicable policies, especially in respect of issues that concern the commissions, like poverty, quality education, and sustainable development," he said.
"There will be projects special for certain countries," he revealed.
Alhakim was appointed in April, following Rima Khalaf's resignation over "the pressure to withdraw a report that was critical of Israel."
AlHakim was the permanent representative and ambassador of Iraq to the United Nations since May 2013, and he served as the Iraqi permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva between 2010 and 2013.
Prior to his diplomatic career, Alhakim served as Telecommunications Minster in Iraq between 2006 and 2010.
