United Nations, Aug 25 (Xinhua) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday announced the appointment of Jean-Maurice Ripert of France as head of its humanitarian assistance programme in Pakistan.

Ripert is expected to work closely with the Pakistani government and UN humanitarian coordinators in the country.

Some 2.3 million people have been displaced in northwest Pakistan due to the fighting between the government forces and Taliban militants.

The secretary-general has created the position to coordinate the relief work for displaced Pakistanis between the international community and the Pakistani government, UN spokeswoman Michele Montas told reporters.

She said Ripert has a solid track record in consensus building. 'Ripert had a distinguished diplomatic career with his government on UN-related issues and brings to this challenging assignment a wealth of experience.'

Ripert currently serves as the permanent representative of France to the UN in New York.