A veteran Danish diplomat has been appointed post-war head of one of Iraq's four administrative regions, the key southern province of Basra. Ole Woehler Olsen has worked in several Arabic countries in more than 30 years with the Danish foreign service. Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller said that Mr Olsen, who is currently ambassador to Syria, knew the Arab world "to his fingertips" and would "create the foundation to the new Iraq". Mr Moeller made the appointment jointly with his UK counterpart, Jack Straw, because British troops currently control the region. It is not clear when Mr Olsen will take up his post.
Denmark has been involved in plans for the post-war redevelopment of Iraq because of its support for the US-led war. It sent a submarine and escort ship to the Gulf as part of the coalition's war effort. It is now also considering leading a 3,000-man mainly Eastern European peacekeeping force.
You play, you get to have a say.
Mr Olsen, who is a fluent Arabic speaker and a Muslim, began his diplomatic career in 1969. Mr Moeller said his background was an advantage, adding that it had been agreed that a Danish leader would meet less resistance than an American or Briton regarded as a representative of the occupying powers. Among other posts, Mr Olsen served as ambassador in Saudi Arabia for six years and has been ambassador to Syria since 1999. He is described as a keen traveller and adventurer.
Anybody know anything about this guy? |