Libya: Lebanese Ghassan Salamé likely to replace outgoing Kobler

Lebanese former minister of Culture and current Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs is seemingly the future head of the UNSMIL as current German veteran diplomat Martin Kobler is stepping down at the end of this month, Libya Herald reports citing diplomatic sources.

The 66-year old Lebanese man according to Libyan diplomatic sources apparently enjoys consensus from all Libyan feuding sides.

Even though other names may be vying the position, Salamé heads the list of potential successors to Martin Kobler.

Twenty eight other people have been consulted for the tough job but no one wanted to take it, another diplomat told Libya Herald.

“They see it as an impossible task,” the diplomat is quoted as saying.

UN-backed Prime Minister Faiez Serraj reportedly also put his thumb up for the choice of the Lebanese scholar, Libya Herald reports.

Salamé was Lebanese minister of culture from 2000 to 2003. He was Senior Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General (2003–2006) and Political Advisor to the UN Mission in Iraq (2003).

He is currently board member of several international organizations including the International Crisis Group, the International Peace Institute, the Open Society Foundations and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

His appointment may come as early as this week, Libyan media notes.

Martin Kobler is set to step down end of this month. The German diplomat announced the end of his tenure during an apparent last trip to Tripoli on Tuesday.