This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 16, 2011 - U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, will be present at the United Nations' opening ceremonies Monday and Tuesday, as part of the official U.S. delegation.
President Barack Obama announced Friday that Carnahan and U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-N.Y., have been selected.
The White House announcement, however, made it appear that these assignments were more permanent than they apparently are. "I am grateful that these talented and dedicated individuals have agreed to take on these important roles and devote their talents to serving the American people," the president said in a statement. "I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years."
According to Carnahan's staff: "For each session of the General Assembly, the President nominates two congressional delegates -- one from each party -- to serve while continuing their duties as members of Congress. Rep. Carnahan is pleased to be part of the bi-partisan delegation to the 66th session of the UN General Assembly."
Carnahan spokesman Sam Drzymala said the appointment marked the first time that the congressman -- who has a keen interest in international affairs -- had been chosen for the U.N. delegation. "He is "really excited about this,'' said Drzymala.
