BAKU, 10 April 2009 - Ambassador Bilge Cankorel of Turkey took office today as the new Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Cankorel worked as an adviser to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. As a career diplomat, he has served in a number of posts, including in Canada, China, and Switzerland. He was Turkey's Ambassador to Afghanistan, and, most recently, its Ambassador to Ukraine.

"The OSCE Office plays a significant role in promoting and implementing OSCE principles and commitments in Azerbaijan through co-operation with local authorities and civil society. I am looking forward to being a part of the OSCE's efforts in this country," said Cankorel.

Cankorel holds a B.A. in Political Sciences from Ankara University and a M.A. in International Relations from Ohio State University.

He succeeds Ambassador Jose-Luis Herrero from Spain, who left at the end of 2008.