Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 25, 2005

U.S. Welcomes the Appointment of New UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The United States welcomes the appointment by of former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Former Prime Minister Guterres' stature and experience make him eminently suitable for this important and demanding position. The United States looks forward to continuing its close and cooperative relationship with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees under Mr. Guterres' leadership.

The United States is the single largest donor country to UNHCR. We will work with Mr. Guterres to ensure the effective care and protection of more than 17 million refugees and other persons of concern throughout the world.