Missions in “Palestine” extended by 6 months pending a decision
(BRUSSELS2) The two European missions in Palestine, police training (EUPOL Copps) and border posts (EUBAM) have finally been extended for an additional six months, until June 2012. The ambassadors of the 27 approved this decision without discussion December 19. They should normally decide before the year 2012 on the future of these two missions. Several options were at stake: merger between EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL Copps, closure of the Eubam Rafah mission, resizing of the two missions. But they did not succeed in deciding.
A "strategic review" is underway - as in all PeSDC missions - which should allow us to take stock. And the evolution of the situation on the spot with the process of recognition of the Palestinian State at the international level must play a role. In the meantime, a synergy between certain positions is operated, to have some common positions on technical functions, a bit like what was done in Congo between Eusec RDC and Eupol RDC. The budget has been set at 4,75 million euros and 970 euros respectively for the period.
Download : the Eubam Rafah decision - the Eupol Copps decision
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