RI ENVOY APPOINTED UNHRC VICE PRESIDENT

London, June 20 (ANTARA) - The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has appointed Indonesian Permanent Representative to the UN, WTO and other international organizations in Geneva Dian Triansyah Djani as the council's vice president for the June 2009-June 2010 period.

Djani was appointed to the post by acclamation at the council's session recently, Kamapradipta Isnomo, first secretary of the Indonesian permanent representative office in Geneva, said on Friday.

Isnomo said Djani's appointment to the post of the council's vice president representing the Asian group showed UNHRC member states' confidence in Indonesia's commitment to promote and protect human rights.

In addition, it would also enhance Indonesia's profile and image in the promotion and protection of global human rights, he said.

The meeting also appointed Belgian Ambassador Alex Van Meeuwen as the council's president representing western countries, Slovanian Ambassador Andrej Logar as the council's vice president representing East Europe, Egyptian Ambassador Hisham Badr as the council's vice president representing Africa and Chilean Ambassador Carlos Portales as the council's vice president representing Latin American and Caribbean countries.

UNHRC was set up in 2006 under UN Resolution 60/251. It now has 47 members.

Ismono said Djani's appointment to the post was inseparable from Indonesia's active role in the council.