Brussels, 21/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 21 December, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton said she was planning to appoint Estonian ambassador Aivo Orav to head the EU Delegation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and Slovenia's foreign minister, Samuel Zbogar, to head the EU's office in Kosovo. Maltese diplomat John Gatt-Rutter is being appointed as the EU representative on the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the United Nations Middle-East and Palestine relief office, a post in which he is currently acting. Ashton said she was delighted to be appointing strong candidates for the three key posts at the European External Action Services (EEAS - the EU's diplomatic corps), who would all be bringing unique experience and expertise to their new roles, which would be crucial for continued growth of the diplomatic service. The appointments will become official following agreement from the host countries and administrative procedures. (CG/transl.fl)