André Adam

André Adam (10 September 1936 – 22 March 2016) was a Belgian diplomat. His postings during his lengthy diplomatic career included Consul General of Belgium in Los Angeles (1982–1986), Ambassador to Algeria (1986–1990), Ambassador to Zaire (1990–1991), Ambassador to the United States (1994–1998), and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1998–2001). He was killed in a terrorist bombing at Brussels-National airport in Zaventem on 22 March 2016.[1][2]

André Adam
Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations
In office
8 September 1998 – April 2001
MonarchAlbert II
Preceded byAlexis Reyn
Succeeded byJean de Ruyt
Belgian Ambassador to the United States
In office
3 October 1994 – 1998
MonarchAlbert II
Preceded byJuan Cassiers
Succeeded byAlexis Reyn
Belgian Ambassador to Zaire
In office
27 April 1990 – 18 August 1991
MonarchBaudouin
Preceded byAndré Onkelinx
Succeeded byJean Coene
Belgian Ambassador to Algeria
In office
1986–1990
MonarchBaudouin
Preceded byMaurice Vaisiere
Succeeded byDirk Lettens
Personal details
Born(1936-09-10)10 September 1936
Brussels, Belgium
Died22 March 2016(2016-03-22) (aged 79)
Zaventem, Belgium
Spouse(s)Danielle
Alma materFree University of Brussels

Early life and education

Adam was born in Brussels. He attended the Free University of Brussels receiving degrees in political and diplomatic science and public administration.[3]

Diplomatic career

After a short stint as a research assistant at the Free University of Brussels, Adam entered the foreign service in 1962 and was posted in Havana, where he met his wife, Danielle, after which he served in Paris, Kinshasa, and London.[4] In 1979, he became chief of staff to Henri Simonet, then the Belgian foreign minister.[5]

He later served as the Belgian Consul General in Los Angeles from 1982 till 1986, Belgium's Ambassador to Algeria (1986 - 1990) and Zaire (1990 - 1991), and as Ambassador to the United States from 1994 till 1998.[5] He presented his credentials to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 1998, holding office as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.[6]

Adams also served as the Director General of Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1991 until 1994.[7]

Later life and death

Adam retired from the diplomatic service in 2001.[8] He was killed at Brussels Airport during coordinated terrorist bombings at two locations in Brussels on 22 March 2016. He died while shielding his wife. The two were set to travel to the United States.[2]

Offices held
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Maurice Vaisiere		 Belgian Ambassador to
Algeria
1986–1990		 Succeeded by
Dirk Lettens
Preceded by
André Onkelinx		 Belgian Ambassador to
Zaire
1990–1991		 Succeeded by
Jean Coene
Preceded by
Juan Gassiers		 Belgian Ambassador to
the United States
1994–1998		 Succeeded by
Alexis Reyn
Preceded by
Andre Ernemann		 Belgian Permanent Representative to
the United Nations
1998–2001		 Succeeded by
Jean De Ruyt

References
  1. Delcorde, Raoul (2016-03-27). "André Adam, un homme de paix tué lors des attentats du 22 mars". La Libre Belgique. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  2. Bilefsky, Dan (2016-03-26). "André Adam, Retired Diplomat and Brussels Victim". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  3. "New Permanent Representative Of Belgium Presents Credentials". Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. United Nations. 1998-09-08. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  4. Johnston, Jules (2016-03-26). "Former Belgian ambassador to US killed in Brussels attacks". Politico. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  5. "Honorary Ambassador André Adam victim of 22 March Brussels attacks". Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  6. "André Adam". El Mundo. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  7. "Honorary Ambassador André Adam victim of 22 March Brussels attacks". Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs. 2016-03-29. Archived from the original on 2016-04-04. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  8. "Diplomatic Changes Royal Decree". Retrieved 30 March 2016.
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