EU to maintain Rafah crossing monitoring mission (EU BAM) – EU press release//Non-UN document

EU DECIDES TO MAINTAIN EUBAM

7^th JULY 2007

Despite the Rafah Crossing Point (RCP) being closed since the 9^th of June, the European Union has decided to maintain the European Union Border Assistance Mission – Rafah (EUBAM) in a fully operational state. The Mission will stay in the region and maintain the operational capacity to deploy at short notice. Due to the prevailing political and security situation, the Mission is currently reassessing its operational strength in order to efficiently respond to the events as they unfold. The HoM is charged with the temporary scaling down of the Mission.

The downsizing will be limited, and will only be whilst waiting for the conditions which will allow the Rafah Terminal to reopen and EUBAM to return to its monitoring tasks and operations. The Mission will retain its full capability, expertise and equipment.

As soon as the conditions allow, the Mission will return to full strength.

For any questions please contact EU-BAM’s PPIO:

054-2247250