UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric (File Photo)

    UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations has protested to the Sudanese government over its decision to ask for the withdrawal of Jan Pronk, the UN special representative in th e country, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday.

　　"We obviously deeply regret the Sudanese government's decision to ask for his removal but as I've said the secretary-general continues to have full confidence in Pronk," Dujarric told reporters at the daily news briefing.

　　He said that UN chief Kofi Annan will meet on Thursday with Pronk, who is arriving New York late Wednesday.

　　The spokesman added that Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hedi Annabi had met with the Sudanese ambassador on Monday to protest the decision by the Sudanese government.

　　He also said that the United Nations has no intention at this time to appoint a new special representative for Sudan.

　　"Pronk is and remains the secretary-general's special representative in Sudan with the full backing of the secretary-general," he stressed, reiterating that the special envoy is just back for consultations.