GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Office (ILO) has appointed Leon de Riedmatten of the Swiss-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, as its interim Liaison Officer in Myanmar.

Announcing the appointment, ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said that Mr. de Riedmatten would continue in his current function, while being responsible for settling all logistical issues and establishing preliminary contacts with all persons and institutions for the future ILO Liaison Officer.

The idea of an ILO presence in Myanmar to work with the authorities in eliminating forced labour in that country, has been under discussion since late last year when a high-level ILO team visited Myanmar. At its meeting in March 2002, the ILO Governing Body endorsed an Understanding between the Government of Myanmar and the International Labour Office for a Liaison Officer to be appointed no later than June this year, pending the establishment of a full ILO presence.

Mr. de Riedmatten formerly headed the ICRC Delegation in Myanmar until July 2000 and has been closely involved in the national reconciliation process in Myanmar. He will deliver a report on his activities as interim Liaison Officer to the International Labour Conference at its next session in June.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Keats, ILO Department of Communication
Tel.: +4122/799-6690
Fax: +4122/799-8577
E-mail: keats@ilo.org