Mr. Knutsson, who is currently serving as the Secretary-General's Personal Representative to Southern Lebanon, will take up his duties at the Geneva-based Commission early next year. Set up in 1991, the Commission disburses money from a special fund that receives a percentage of the proceeds from sales of Iraqi oil.

A national of Sweden, Mr. Knutsson has held numerous assignments over the course of his three-decade long career at the UN, including Director of Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary-General. He is fluent in Swedish, English, French, Spanish, German and Russian.

Mr. Knutsson will replace outgoing Executive Secretary Jean-Claude Aimé, who is completing his assignment.

Meanwhile, the Compensation Commission's Governing Council wrapped up its session today, awarding some $208.7 million in claims. That brings the total figure awarded by the Commission to over $32 billion. The Council's next regular session will be held from 13 to 15 March 2001.