News

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (EUHR), Catherine ASHTON, visited EUPOL COPPS’ HQ on Thursday 18 March, in Ramallah. The EUHR met with EUPOL COPPS’ Head of Mission, Commissioner Henrik MALMQUIST, and with EUBAM RAFAH’s Head of Mission, Colonel Alain FAUGERAS.

Colonel Alain FAUGERAS, Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah, gave a lecture on Border Security Operations to Palestinian intermediate leaders on Wednesday 24 February. The lecture was part of the program of the Palestinian Intermediate Leaders’ Course, jointly organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior and the Office of the United States Security Coordinator.

On 20 November 2009, the Council adopted a Joint Action extending the mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point until 24 May 2010. It had previously adopted 2 Joint Actions extending the mandate of the mission until 24.11.2008 and 24.11.2009 respectively.
On 17 November 2009, the Council confirmed the EU's readiness to redeploy at short notice at the Rafah Crossing Point, should circumstances allow.

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the mandate of EUBAM Rafah until 24 May 2010. On 17 November 2009, the Council confirmed the EU's readiness to redeploy at short notice at the Rafah Crossing Point, should circumstances allow. Despite the closure of the Rafah Crossing Point, the Mission is maintaining its operational capability to deploy at short notice. As soon as conditions allows, the Mission will return to its monitoring tasks and operations.
 

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), congratulated Colonel Alain FAUGERAS who today is taking office as the new Head of the EUBAM Rafah Mission. He succeeds General Pietro PISTOLESE. Javier SOLANA made the following comments: "Colonel Faugeras' extensive police background acquired in the French Gendarmerie and his international experience makes him most suitable for the new position he takes up today.