Bill Clinton

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will lead U.N. efforts to promote reconstruction in South Asian countries hit by December's tsunami, but will not play a role in ending conflicts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

On Wednesday, U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard said he misunderstood Mr. Clinton's mandate when he told reporters earlier the former president would also try to make progress in resolving conflicts in those nations.

Mr. Eckhard said Mr. Clinton will focus on maintaining the world's interest in the vital recovery and reconstruction efforts following the devastating tsunami.

Mr. Clinton said in a statement he is looking forward to taking up the post once he returns from a trip to the region later this month with former president George H.W. Bush.