EU names German diplomat head of Georgia monitoring team
The European Union on Wednesday named German diplomat Hansjörg Haber to head its observer mission in Georgia.
Haber, 55, is currently Germany's ambassador to Beirut and has been envoy to Moscow and Ankara. He will take charge of some 200 European monitors who are expected to be deployed in Georgia by October 1.
Once on the ground, the EU mission will enable Russian peacekeepers to withdraw within 10 days from buffer zones near the rebel Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, whose independence Moscow has recognized.
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," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said.
"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," Solana added in a statement.
Comments
See Also
Haber, 55, is currently Germany's ambassador to Beirut and has been envoy to Moscow and Ankara. He will take charge of some 200 European monitors who are expected to be deployed in Georgia by October 1.
Once on the ground, the EU mission will enable Russian peacekeepers to withdraw within 10 days from buffer zones near the rebel Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, whose independence Moscow has recognized.
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," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said.
"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," Solana added in a statement.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.