20/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Austria's Christian Berger has been appointed Director for North Africa, Middle East, Arabian Peninsula, Iran and Iraq in the European External Action Service (EEAS). The announcement was made by Catherine Ashton on 20 June. Berger, currently the head of the EU's office in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is familiar with the region, having worked there for the United Nations. (H.B./transl.fl)