(1)

The mandate of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Middle East peace process as set out in Council Joint Action 2003/873/CFSP of 8 December 2003 extending and amending the mandate of the Special Representative of the European Union for the Middle East peace process (1) is due to expire on 28 February 2006.

(2)

On 14 November 2005 the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/797/CFSP (2) on the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian territories, EUPOL COPPS, which designates a specific role of the EUSR.

(3)

On 12 December 2005 the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP (3) establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah), which also designates a specific role of the EUSR.

(4)

On the basis of a review of Joint Action 2003/873/CFSP, the mandate of the EUSR should be revised and extended for a 12-month period.

(5)

The EUSR is to implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, as set out in Article 11 of the Treaty,

(a)

a two-State solution with Israel and a democratic, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side within secure and recognised borders enjoying normal relations with their neighbours in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1402 and on the principles of the Madrid conference;

(b)

solution in the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese tracks;

(c)

a fair solution to the complex issue of Jerusalem and a just, viable and agreed solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees;

(d)

early convening of a peace conference, which should address political and economic aspects as well as matters relating to security, confirm the parameters of a political solution and establish a realistic and well-defined timescale;

(e)

the establishment of sustainable and effective policing arrangements under Palestinian ownership in accordance with best international standards, in cooperation with the European Community's institution building programmes as well as other international efforts in the wider context of security sector, including criminal justice reform;

(f)

providing a third party presence at the Rafah crossing point in order to contribute, in cooperation with the Community's institution-building efforts, to the opening of the Rafah crossing point and to build up confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

(a)

work with the parties and with partners in the international community, especially within the framework of the Middle East Quartet, to pursue every opportunity for peace and for a decent future for all people of the region;

(b)

continue to assist in Palestinian security reforms, early elections and political and administrative reforms;

(c)

contribute fully to peace building, as well as to the reconstruction of the Palestinian economy as an integral part of regional development.

(a)

provide an active and efficient contribution from the European Union to actions and initiatives leading to a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese conflicts;

(b)

facilitate and maintain close contact with all the parties to the Middle East peace process, other countries of the region, members of the Middle East Quartet and other relevant countries, as well as the UN and other relevant international organisations, in order to work with them in strengthening the peace process;

(c)

ensure continued presence of the European Union on the ground and in relevant international forums and contribute to crisis management and prevention;

(d)

observe and support peace negotiations between the parties and offer the European Union's advice and good offices as appropriate;

(e)

contribute, where requested, to the implementation of international agreements reached between the parties and engage with them diplomatically in the event of non-compliance with the terms of these agreements;

(f)

pay particular attention to factors having implication for the regional dimension of the Middle East peace process;

(g)

engage constructively with signatories to agreements within the framework of the peace process in order to promote compliance with the basic norms of democracy, including respect for human rights and the rule of law;

(h)

report on the possibilities for European Union intervention in the peace process and on the best way of pursuing European Union initiatives and ongoing Middle East peace process-related European Union efforts, such as the contribution of the European Union to Palestinian reforms, and including the political aspects of relevant European Union development projects;

(i)

monitor actions by either side on the implementation of the roadmap and on issues that might prejudice the outcome of the permanent status negotiations to enable the Middle East Quartet to better assess the parties' compliance;

(j)

facilitate cooperation on security issues within the European Union-Palestinian Permanent Security Committee set up on 9 April 1998 as well as in other ways;

(k)

contribute to a better understanding of the role of the European Union among opinion leaders in the region;

(l)

develop and implement an EU programme relating to security issues. To this end, the EUSR may be assisted by an expert charged with the practical implementation of operational projects related to security issues;

(m)

give guidance, as necessary, to the Head of Mission/Police Commissioner of the European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS);

(n)

give guidance, as necessary, to the Head of Mission of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah).