News - CBK seeks UN job but keeps open political re-entry

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CBK seeks UN job but keeps open political re-entry

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has sought to become a special envoy for UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Her exact assignment in this capacity is to be determined only after a formal appointment is made. Ms Kumaratunga has sought the UN job and is learnt to have spoken both to Dr. Annan and his senior aides.

Following this, the UN Secretary General's Secretariat has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo seeking its views on the appointment.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera brought this to the notice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He has granted clearance on behalf of the Government for Ms Kumaratunga's appointment.

Government sources said the UN appointment would not constitute a full time job.

It will entail foreign travel whenever the Secretary General gives her an appointment. Hence, the source said, this would not stand in the way of her intention to return to politics in Sri Lanka. Ms Kumaratunga who is now in Britain is expected in Sri Lanka possibly on August 3.

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