European foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) issued the following statement today welcoming the decision by the Political and Security Committee to appoint Hansjörg HABER Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

“I am very pleased that Member States have decided on the basis of my recommendation to appoint Hansjörg Haber as Head of Mission for the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia. This appointment, immediately following the Council's decision on 15 September to launch EUMM Georgia, further illustrates the determination with which the EU is preparing for this important mission, which will be operational by 1 October.

Hansjörg Haber will have a crucial role in putting together and launching the mission as a key part of the EU's efforts to address the crisis in Georgia and enhance stability in the region. His range of skills and experience in diplomacy and crisis management will be assets for the mission. He has my full trust and support and I look forward to working with him."

The Council decided on Monday, 15 September to establish an autonomous civilian monitoring mission in Georgia, in accordance with the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council of 1 September. The mission will be deployed by 1 October, in line with the arrangements set out in the Agreement of 8 September, in close coordination with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN and in addition to the international mechanisms of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMG) and the OSCE.

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia will be led by the EU under the European Security and Defence Policy. Its main objectives are to contribute to stability throughout Georgia and the surrounding region. In the short term, it will aim to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation, in accordance with the six-point Agreement and the subsequent implementing measures.

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eumm-georgia