Annan, the U.N. and Arab League special envoy to Syria, invited top diplomats from the five permanent members of the U.N.

CNN: Syrians defiant as world powers plan talks

From 1991 to 2000, Mr. Menkerios represented the Eritrean Government in various capacities, including as Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Organisation of African Unity, Special Envoy to Somalia and also the Great Lakes region, and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

UN: Secretary-General

The ceremony took place in the presence of Katalin Bogyay, President of the General Conference of UNESCO, Anders Ahnild, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of the Kingdom of Sweden to UNESCO and Samuel Pisar, UNESCO Honorary Ambassador and Special Envoy for Holocaust Education.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES