Giandomenico Picco, a renowned Italian diplomat known for his role in negotiating the release of hostages held by terrorist groups in Lebanon, passed away at the age of 75 in Wilton, Conn. Picco spent 20 years with the United Nations, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.
Picco’s discreet and mysterious nature within the U.N. bureaucracy earned him the nickname of “chief troubleshooter” and an “unarmed soldier of diplomacy” by former U.N. Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar. His most notable mission involved securing the release of hostages in Lebanon through delicate negotiations with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
Despite the risks involved, Picco made multiple trips to Lebanon to meet with the kidnappers, eventually bringing back several hostages, including prominent figures like Terry Waite and Terry Anderson. His efforts were recognized when President George H.W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Award for Exceptional Service in 1991.
Born in Udine, Italy, Picco’s career at the U.N. began on a whim, leading him to become a key figure in conflict resolution in various regions, including Cyprus and the Middle East. His memoir, “Man Without a Gun: One Diplomat’s Secret Struggle to Free the Hostages, Fight Terrorism, and End a War,” recounts his daring missions and dedication to international civil service.
In his final act at the U.N., Picco successfully negotiated the release of the last two hostages, Thomas Kemptner and Heinrich Struebig, before tendering his resignation to pursue new endeavors. His legacy as a skilled diplomat and courageous peacemaker will be remembered in the annals of international diplomacy.
