To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the replacement of the UN representative in Afghanistan; what discussions he has had with his Security Council counterparts on this issue; when he expects the replacement to be announced; and if he will make a statement. (162880)

Tom Koenigs is the current special representative to the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan. His contract extends to February 2008.

The UN's role in co-ordinating the international effort in Afghanistan is very important. The UK is committed to supporting the UN effort to improve the current levels of international co-ordination, led by a senior UN representative for the long term. We discuss this with our Security Council counterparts on a regular basis. However, the decision on a replacement is ultimately the decision of the Secretary-General.