Buttenheim replaces Tayé-Brook Zerihoun of Ethiopia, who held the same function from May 2008 to April 2010. The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to Zerihoun for his devotion and leadership of UNFICYP. In addition, Zerihoun served as the acting Deputy to the Special advisor of the Secretary-General on Cyprus. During his tenure, he provided assistance to the Secretary-General’s mission of good offices.