Ramallah

The European Union Civilian Operations Commander’s Delegation, headed by Mr. Kenneth Deane, paid a visit to EUBAM Rafah Headquarters on Monday 12 October, 2015. During his visit, EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission, Ms. Natalina Cea, explained to the visiting delegation the current activities of EUBAM Rafah and the ongoing Road Map activities implemented in partnership with the General Administration of Borders and Crossings (GABC). Mr. Deane emphasized the importance of the work done by EUBAM Rafah and stated that all EU Member States fully support the mission.

A senior delegation from the European External Action Service (CCPC), headed by EU Civilian Operations Commander Mr. Kenneth Deane, together with a delegation from EUBAM Rafah, met with the Director General of Borders and Crossings, Mr. Nazmi Muhanna, and other senior officials from GABC on Tuesday 13 October, 2015. Mr. Muhanna expressed his gratitude to all efforts exerted by the EU in general, and by EUBAM Rafah in particular, which are aimed at helping the Palestinian people and at supporting GABC in enhancing their capabilities and improving their infrastructure.

In July 2015, EUBAM Rafah and the General Authority for Border and Crossings signed a combined note on their cooperation. This note clearly identifies the fields in which EUBAM Rafah will support the Palestinian authorities through mentoring, advising and training.

On Wednesday 15 July, Natalina Cea, the new Head of EUBAM Rafah Mission visited the Gaza Strip for the first time after her appointment. The purpose of this visit was to receive first-hand information on the situation on the ground and to establish contacts with the international organizations present in the Gaza Strip. She met with Ayman Fteiha, Manager of the EU Representative Office, with Basil Nasser, Deputy Head of Mission of UNDP, Jan Nadolski, Field Security Officer Gaza City together with Timothy der Weduwen, Chief Security Adviser Jerusalem.

Jericho, June 17, 2015 - The European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM-Rafah) and Palestinian counterparts held a closing ceremony to mark the end of a lengthy training programme on the preparedness of the PA to resume its control of the Rafah Crossing point. Guy Rolin, the Acting Head of EUBAM-Rafah praised the dedication of the participants and thanked all parties who have contributed to the success of the programme. He said the new Head of Mission, due to assume responsibilities in July, will continue the second part of the programme.

On Thursday 2 July, 2015, the Council has extended the mandate of the EU border assistance mission for the Rafah crossing point (EU BAM Rafah) until 30 June 2016. Read more : http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press-releases-pdf/2015/7/40802200244_en.pdf”.