EU appoints German diplomat as Special Mideast Representative

Andreas Reinicke, 57, who is currently ambassador of Germany in Syria, is a diplomat of more than 25 years' experience and who devoted most of his career to the Middle East.

Before his nomination in Damascus he headed the Euromed and Middle East department of the German foreign ministry.

He will take over from Belgian Mark Otte on February 1 and his mandate will run until June 2013.

The EU said the task of its Special Representative will be to contribute to achieving the EU's policy objectives in the region, including a comprehensive peace, a two‑state solution and a settlement of the Israeli‑Syrian and Israeli‑Lebanese conflicts.

He will also act as the EU envoy to the Middle East Quartet whose Mideast envoy is former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who is set to travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories later this week, declared: "I am delighted to have nominated Andreas Reinicke to this vital post, which underlines our reinforced commitment to the Middle East Peace Process. He is an experienced diplomat with huge knowledge of the Middle East. He will play a key role in our efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table."

She recalled that the EU's objective remains "the creation of an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in peace and security."

Source: EJP [2]