Brussels, 03/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission decided on Tuesday a reorganisation of its external relations services, which foresees in particular the opening of delegations in a series of countries: Malaysia and Singapore (given "the growing commercial importance of South East Asia"), Cambodia and Laos, Nepal and Paraguay (for reasons linked to the deconcentration of external aid), Saudi Arabia (the delegation will be also be accredited with five other countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council). Moreover, the Commission is considering opening a trade representation in Taiwan (in view of this country's accession to the WTO, says the press release) and a regular presence in Cuba which replaces the present ECHO office, in the light of the developments in the country. The human and budgetary resources required will be found by closing certain missions, by reducing others and redeploying the personnel, indicates the press release, which signals that it is foreseen to close the following representation offices: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Comoros, Dutch Antilles, Sao Tome e Principe, Tonga and Equatorial Guinea.
The decision taken today will help the Commission to play its part in the growing international role of the EU, commented the Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten, who underlined that the Commission delegations (which are present in 123 countries and with five international organisations) cooperate closely with the Member State missions. The press releases underlines that the delegations play a growing role in the CFSP, by working in close contact, in particular, with the acting Presidencies of the EU Council, to carry out joint assessments and take part in moves by the Troika and other tasks. The delegations assist other EU institutions and actors, including the High Representative/Secretary General of the Council and the European Parliament, recalls the press release.