15/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - Fernando Gentilini appointed EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process. On Wednesday 15 April, the Council officially appointed Fernando Gentilini from Italy as EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process. Political agreement on Gentilini's appointment was reached on 16 March (see EUROPE 11277). Former director for Western Europe, the Western Balkans and Turkey for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Gentilini will take up his duties immediately and is initially appointed until 30 April 2016. His tasks are to contribute to the actions and initiatives leading to a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution. He will therefore facilitate contact between the parties and contribute to setting up a possible new framework for negotiations. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)