Council appoints EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, December 8, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Council today appointed Mr Alexander Rondos as EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa.
The task of the Special Representative is to actively contribute to regional and international
efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and development in the region comprising
Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda. The Council
has asked the Special Representative to initially focus on Somalia and the regional
dimensions of the conflict there, as well as on piracy, which has its root causes in the
instability of Somalia.
High Representative Catherine Ashton commented: “I look forward to working closely
with Alexander Rondos, whose vast experience of the region makes him an excellent choice
for this vital role. The recent adoption of the strategic framework for the Horn of Africa
shows our determination to do all we can to help achieve lasting peace, security and
development in the region. This is a priority for the European Union.”
Mr. Alexander Rondos is a Greek diplomat with extensive experience in diplomatic
negotiations around the world. He has held senior posts in the Greek Prime Minister’s
office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as in the World Bank. He has extensive
understanding of Eastern African politics, having worked there on several occasions during
his career.
The appointment of a Special Representative forms part of a recently adopted EU Strategic
Framework for the Horn of Africa, setting out five priorities for EU action: building robust
and accountable political structures; contributing to conflict resolution and prevention;
mitigating security threats emanating from the region; promoting economic growth, and
supporting regional economic cooperation (16858/11). 18328/11 2
Mr Rondos will work in close consultation with the EU Special Representative for Sudan
and South Sudan, who will continue to lead on those two countries.
Mr Rondos will take office on 1 January 2012. In line with existing procedures, his
mandate runs initially until 30 June 2012, with the expectation of being renewed.
SOURCE
European Council
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