Brussels
16/03/2015
PRESSE RELEASE
High Representative Federica Mogherini to appoint EU Special Representatives
to the Middle East Peace Process and to Central Asia
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, has proposed the appointment of new Special Representatives to support the work of the European Union on two important foreign policy files. The candidates have been endorsed by EU Member States in the Political and Security Committee today pending a final decision by the Council.
Fernando Gentilini has been proposed as EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process for an initial period of one year, in an effort to re-launch the Process as quickly as possible. Mr Gentilini is currently Director for Western Europe, the Western Balkans and Turkey in the European External Action Service and is a former EU Special Representative in Kosovo. He has also been assisting the High Representative in facilitation of Serbia Kosovo dialogue.
High Representative Mogherini said: "The appointment of a EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process underlines the EU's determination to step up engagement in the MEPP. Ferdinado Gentilini will work towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two-state solution. He will work in close contacts with all major players, including the parties to the conflict, members of the Quartet, Arab states and relevant regional bodies."
Peter Burian has been proposed as EU Special representative for Central Asia for an initial period of one year, with the task of ensuring continued EU high-level engagement in the region. Mr Burian is currently State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. He is a former ambassador of the Slovak Republic to NATO, to the United States and to the United Nations. Mr Burian takes over in the role of EUSR from Janos Herman, appointed Special Envoy to the region in 2014 following the resignation of EUSR Patricia Flor.
HRVP Federica Mogherini said: "The appointment of Peter Burian will show the EU's continued cooperation with Central Asia, ensuring strong presence in our engagement on key issues of mutual interest including the rule of law, security, energy, water, education and human rights. Central Asia is a strategic area. The EU also intends to continue to support the transition of neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, where much remains to be done in securing the democratic path".
Background
The EU currently has seven EUSRs dealing with different topics, countries and regions of the world (Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Horn of Africa, Human Rights, Kosovo, Sahel, South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia). The EUSRs promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.
They support the work of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, in the regions and on the issues concerned. They play an important role in the development of a strong and effective EU Foreign and Security Policy. They provide the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions.
EUSRs are appointed by the Council of the European Union upon recommendation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Catherine Ray +32 498 96 99 21 – +32 2 296 99 21 – Catherine.Ray@ec.europa.eu – @CatherineEUspox
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu – @MajaEUspox
Eamonn Prendergast +32 460 75 32 93 – Eamonn.Prendergast@ec.europa.eu
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Subject: Envoy, Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts
Publication Date: 16/03/2015