UNIS/BIO/749
3 June 2005
New Permanent Representative of Iran Presents Credentials
VIENNA, 3 June (UN Information Service) -- The new Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh Basti, presented his credentials today to Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General, United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Akhondzadeh Basti was serving as Director-General for International Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran (since 2003).
Mr. Akhondzadeh Basti has served in many capacities in the course of his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, including as: Advisor to the Foreign Minister in International Affairs (1998-2002); Director-General for International Political Affairs (1991-93); Director-General for International Economic and Specialized Agencies (1990-91); and Head of the European Studies Centre in Tehran (1986-1990).
Mr. Akhondzadeh Basti has also served as Ambassador of Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan (1993-98); Chargé d’Affaires in London, United Kingdom (1984-86); Ambassador of Iran in Dhaka, Bangladesh (1981-84); and Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi, India (1981).
Mr. Akhondzadeh Basti holds a Masters degree in Civil Engineering. He is married and has two children.
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