Brussels, 13/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 July, at a recommendation from Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, the Political and Security Committee (COPS) appointed Pekka Haavisto, of Finland, to the post of EU Special Representative in Sudan. Mr Haavisto will above all have the task of coordinating EU support of the African Union mission (AMIS II) in Darfur. Formerly Finland's environment and development cooperation minister, and currently the head of the team for assessing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr Haavisto was preferred to Sten Rylander, of Sweden, who is part of the negotiating team between the Sudanese government and the rebel forces.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council has still to formally adopt, on 18 July, the joint action appointing Mr Haavisto to the post of EU Special Representative for Sudan. The same day also, the Council will adopt the joint action on the EU's civil-military action to support the African Union mission in the Sudanese region of Darfur (AN of 5 July 2005).