EUHR Solana supports EU missions in Palestinian territories

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), met today the Heads of Missions and key personnel of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) and the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, at EUPOL COPPS headquarters in the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

The EU High Representative briefed Lt. General Pietro Pistolese (EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission) and Mr. Colin Smith (EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission), on his trip to the region ahead of a series of major international meetings on the Middle East peace process in the coming months. They discussed the work of the missions on the ground, looked at ways to increase further the EU's support to the Palestinian Authority, and in particular in helping to build up an effective Palestinian civilian and border police force. The EU is playing an important role in training and mentoring the Palestinian police and this is an essential element in developing the structures of a Palestinian state.

EUBAM Rafah maintains its full operational capability despite the closure of Rafah Crossing Point since 9 June 2007.

In remarks to journalists after the meeting Mr. Solana congratulated mission members for their excellent and important work which constitutes an essential aspect of the EU's support to the Palestinian Authority.


Background:
European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah (EUBAM Rafah)
www.eubam-rafah.eu

EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS)
www.consilium.europa.eu/eupol-copps

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