In a letter dated 1 August 2009, Mr. Yuri Kolosov (Russian Federation) notified the Secretary-General, through the Chairperson of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, of his decision to resign as a member of the Committee with immediate effect. Mr. Kolosov’s term of office was due to expire on 31 December 2010.

In a note verbale dated 13 August 2009, the Secretary-General informed the States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from the regional group of Eastern European States of Mr. Kolosov’s resignation.

In accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of Economic and Social Council resolution 1985/17 of 28 May 1985 and rule 12 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Secretary-General invited the Governments concerned to submit, by 13 October 2009, their nominations for membership in the Committee to fill the vacancy therein for the remainder of Mr. Kolosov’s term of office.

As of 13 October 2009, the Secretary-General had received the nomination of Mr. Aslan Khuseinovich Abashidze, submitted by the Government of the Russian Federation. Biographical information on Mr. Abashidze is presented below.

On 15 December 2009, under Item 1, the Economic and Social Council elected Mr. Aslan Khuseinovich Abashidze (Russian Federation) by acclamation for a term beginning on 15 December 2009 and expiring on 31 December 2010 to replace Mr. Yuri Kolosov.

15th December Summary Record-Ad-hoc vacancy