Brussels, 09/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Despite the fact that criticism has been growing recently about the lack of ambition and scope of the new European External Action Service (EEAS), Catherine Ashton, who heads the service, gives positive and optimistic results of the first four months since the service was officially inaugurated on 1 January 2011. In a message published on Europe Day, 9 May, the high representative explains that her aim is to make the EEAS a “single platform to project European values and interests around the world”. The first results are in, Ashton says, asserting: “We are already putting this increased capability to good use as we face the rapidly changing situation in North Africa and the Middle East”. The EU also plays a “leading role” in the Middle East peace process, Ashton points out, saying it plays the role of mediator between Serbia and Kosovo, combats piracy in Somalia and provides aid for rebuilding in Haiti. Ashton assures that “the EEAS will represent a united and strong continent”. (H.B./transl.jl)