Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar quitting as Ban's Chief of Staff to become special adviser

UNITED NATIONS: Veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar, who is stepping down as the UN Secretary General's Chief of Staff, has been appointed by Ban Ki-moon as his special adviser on Myanmar.

"Nambiar expressed (his) wish to step down as (Chef de Cabinet), so as to allow me to compose a new team of senior managers for my second term as UN Chief," Ban told reporters announcing the Indian diplomat's appointment as his special adviser on Myanmar.

68-year-old Nambiar will move to serve as Ban's "Special Adviser on Myanmar at an appropriate time, following the transition in my Executive Office," the UN chief said.

He thanked Nambiar, the former Indian Permanent Representative to the UN, for his "unfailing support, wise counsel and dedication in handling the many challenges that have faced the organisation during my first term".

Nambiar has previously served as India's ambassador to Pakistan, China and Afghanistan.

Ban said the United Nations has been playing a key role in furthering the democratisation process of Myanmar.

"Encouraged" by the recent release of political prisoners in the country, Ban said he is planning to visit Myanmar in the near future to have further discussions with the authorities.