Press Release

Colonel Alain Faugeras, Head of the EUBAM Rafah, met Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a joint meeting with the Heads of the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions on 29 June 2010 in Brussels.
 
The meeting was an occasion to discuss the achievements and challenges of the different CSDP missions engaged in various theaters all over the world, in particular in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Georgia, Iraq and the Balkans.
 

On 12 May 2010, the Council adopted a joint action further extending the mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point for one year, until 24 May 2011. This follows confirmation of agreement from the two Parties, the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The Council of the EU had previously adopted three joint actions extending the mandate of the mission until 24 November 2008, 24 November 2009 and 24 May 2010 respectively.

On 12 May 2010, the Council adopted a joint action extending the mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point for one more year, until 24 May 2011. This follows confirmation of agreement from the two Parties, the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
 
The Council of the EU had previously adopted three joint actions extending the mandate of the mission until 24 November 2008, 24 November 2009 and 24 May 2010 respectively.
 

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission, Catherine ASHTON, visited EUPOL COPPS’ HQ today, Thursday 18th March, in Ramallah. The EU’s High Representative met with EUPOL COPPS’ Head of Mission, Commissioner Henrik MALMQUIST, and with EUBAM RAFAH’s Head of Mission, Colonel Alain FAUGERAS.

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.

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.

In view of the last events in the Gaza strip EUBAM Head of Mission Lt. General Pietro PISTOLESE has declared a temporary suspension of operations at Rafah Crossing Point (RCP). Meanwhile contacts with the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Egypt are going on in order to restore operations at the border once the security and political situation is clarified. In the present circumstances EUBAM is conscious of the importance of having the border open and ready to continue with the implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access.

Speech of EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission, Lt. Gen. Pietro Pistolese to mark the 193rd anniversary of the CARABINIERI

Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues and friends,

Let me thank you very much for being here tonight with us to celebrate the 193rd Anniversary of the foundation of the Carabinieri Corps.
On the 13th of July 1814, in Torino, the King of Sardinia (Vittorio Emanuele the first) established the Carabinieri in order to enforce law and order throughout the Kingdom, to support the Judiciary, and to participate in military campaigns alongside the Army.

Yesterday evening two breaches were blown in the border wall not far from Rafah Crossing Point (RCP). 

Hundreds of people crossed from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, and many also crossed from the Gaza Strip into Egypt.

European Union Border Assistacce Mission (EUBAM), which mandate is limited at Rafah Crossing Point, maintained liaison with both Parties throughout the incident and in doing so helped to ensure that it ended peacefully when the Presidential Guard sealed the border.

The Rafah Border Crossing will be open temporarily today from 10.00 Hrs to 14.00 Hrs.

This is for humanitarian reasons to enable the passage of approximately 250 passengers who have been waiting in the Egyptian side of the terminal since the crossing was closed.

It is an European Union Border Assistance Mission (EU BAM) initiative, with the agreement of the Israeli Government and the cooperation of the Egyptian and Palestinian authorities.

EUBAM has deployed to the Rafah Crossing Point in order to monitor the movement of these people, and facilitate the operation.