New York, March 31 (Petra) -- The United Nations said on Tuesday it has appointed Christian Saunders as Acting Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from April 1 through June 30, following the end of the term of Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

The UN also decided to appoint Saunders as Commissioner-General ad interim, starting July 1 until further notice.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep appreciation to Lazzarini for his dedicated service and strong commitment to UNRWA and the well-being of Palestinian refugees. He also reaffirmed his strong support and appreciation for UNRWA staff for their vital work in health, education, and humanitarian assistance under extremely difficult conditions.

Guterres stressed the importance of continued commitment by member states and other partners to UNRWA and the services it provides in a volatile region.

//Petra// AF