March 28, 2006 (Khartoum) – Foreign Minister in the Government of National Unity, Dr. Lam Akol Ajaween, is the new chairman of the Arab League’s Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers.

Dr. Lam was elected on Saturday in Khartoum during the Foreign Affairs Ministerial Council. Dr. Lam replaces the Algerian Foreign Minister, Abdal-aziz Belkhadinm.

Addressing his colleagues after his election, Dr. Lam urged Arab countries to contribute to the Arab Fund to support the reconstruction of southern Sudan and other war-affected areas of the country.

He also reiterated the government’s rejection to the deployment of international troops to Darfur and called upon Arab countries to support the African Union financially and materially to enable it carry out its mission in Darfur.

(SRS source)