Ramallah

Leo KORTESALMI, deputy Head of EUBAM Rafah, presented the Mission to 25 journalists who visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories to conduct a series of interviews and reports regarding the role of the European Union in the Middle East Peace Process.

The Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah, Colonel Alain FAUGERAS, received the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, General Keith W. DAYTON, in EUBAM HQ on 1 April 2010. After a visit of the HQs, Col. FAUGERAS presented an update of EUBAM's readiness to redeploy at short notice at the Rafah Crossing Point and discussed different issues of common interest with Gen. DAYTON.

Mr Kees KLOMPENHOUWER, the EU Civilian Operations Commander and Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), visited EUBAM Rafah headquarters and met with the Mission members on 19 March 2010. His mandate is to plan and conduct civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC). He exercises command and control at strategic level for the planning and conduct of all civilian crisis management operations.
 

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.

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.