UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced in a Security Council meeting that it was decided to appoint Norwegian diplomat Geir Pedersen as the new UN special envoy to Syria.

Reuters quoted Guterres as saying that “In taking this decision, I have consulted broadly, including with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic,” adding “Mr. Pedersen will support the Syrian parties by facilitating an inclusive and credible political solution that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people.”

Diplomats speaking on condition of anonymity said Pedersen, who is currently Norway’s ambassador to China, had the informal approval of the Council’s permanent five members – Russia, China, the United States, France, and Britain.

Pedersen will replace Staffan de Mistura when he steps down at the end of November.