06/02/24 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 5 February, EU High Representative Josep Borrell welcomed the appointment by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in consultation with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, of “an independent review group to ensure UNRW’s neutrality and to respond to allegations” concerning the involvement of UNRWA staff in the attacks of 7 October 2023. According to the UN, the aim of the group, headed by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, is to “determine whether the Agency is doing everything in its power to ensure its neutrality and to respond to accusations of serious abuses, if any”. Mr Borrell said he was looking forward to the interim report in March and the final report in April. On 29 January, the European Commission requested an audit by independent experts appointed by the Commission (see EUROPE 13338/9). (CG)