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EU appoints German diplomat as Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Process

23-01-2012

 The Council of the European Union has appointed Mr Andreas Reinicke as EU Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Process. His task will be to contribute to achieving the EU's policy objectives in the region, including a comprehensive peace, a two-state solution and a settlement of the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese conflicts. He will act as the EU envoy to the Middle East Quartet.

 
"I am delighted to have nominated Andreas Reinicke to this vital post, which underlines our reinforced commitment to the Middle East Peace Process. He is an experienced diplomat with huge knowledge of the Middle East. He will play a key role in our efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. The EU's objective remains the creation of an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. The EU, along with its Quartet partners, has a key role to play in this process," commented Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
 
Mr Andreas Reinicke, currently ambassador of Germany in Syria, is a diplomat of more than 25 years' experience and has devoted most of his career to the Middle East. He will take office on 1 February 2012, with his mandate running until 30 June 2013.
 
The appointment came as EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels discussed the Middle East peace process. In their conclusions, ministers highlighted “the backdrop of worrying developments on the ground in 2011”, saying the viability of the two state solution had to be preserved. “The legitimacy of the State of Israel and the right of Palestinians to achieve statehood must never be called into question,” the Conclusions said.
 
Ministers also welcomed efforts by Jordan to facilitate direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians as part of the Quartet process, and called on both parties to come forward with comprehensive proposals on borders and security, as envisaged in the Quartet statement on 23 September.
 
“A bold and decisive demonstration of political leadership is needed from both sides to encourage the momentum and ensure real progress,” the Council Conclusions said. (ENPI Info Centre)
 
Read more
 
Press release
 
Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process
 
The EU and the Middle East Peace process
 
 

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