Brussels, 02/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana has welcomed the launch on 1 January 2003 of the European Union Police Mission in Bosnia/Herzegovina, the first civilian crisis management mission under the auspices of the CFSP. The mission, with headquarters in Sarajevo, will have the task until 31 December 2005 of helping the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to organised local police forces to the highest European and international standards. Solana recognises that "it is not without some emotion that we will see for the first time our European colours adorn the national uniforms of our police officers in a mission on the ground. It is a strong symbol of the collective will of Europeans to act jointly in this key task of consolidating stability and security in our continent. I would like to pay tribute to the United Nations for their achievements in Bosnia and Herzegovina… from which the EUPM follows on… I also want to thank the more than thirty countries… which are contributing personnel to the mission, which will compromise some 500 police officers… It is a long-term commitment, and a real partnership with the authorities and the people of the country", stressed Solana, adding: "Together with the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative Paddy Ashdown, and with the Head of EUPM, Sven Frederiksen, we will do our utmost to make this mission a success…". (See also Europe of 27 November, p.6).