Council Joint Action

of 10 December 2001

extending the mandate of the Special Representative of the European Union for the African Great Lakes Region

(2001/876/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 14 and Article 18(5) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) On 14 December 2000 the Council adopted Joint Action 2000/792/CFSP appointing the Special Representative of the European Union for the African Great Lakes Region and repealing Joint Action 96/250/CFSP(1). Joint Action 2000/792/CFSP expires on 31 December 2001.

(2) On the basis of the review of Joint Action 2000/792/CFSP, the mandate of the Council's Special Envoy should be extended.

(3) On 30 March 2000 the Council adopted guidelines on appointing procedure and administrative arrangements concerning European Union Special Representatives,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

The mandate of Mr Aldo Ajello as European Union Special Representative (hereinafter "Special Representative") for the African Great Lakes Region shall be extended.

Article 2

1. The Special Representative shall support the efforts aimed at creating the necessary conditions for a lasting and peaceful solution to the crises affecting the African Great Lakes Region, including preparations, at the appropriate time, for an international conference on peace, stability, democracy and development in the African Great Lakes Region.

2. In particular, the mandate of the Special Representative shall be to:

- support the efforts of the UNO, the OAU, sub-regional organisations and their various representatives to bring an end to the conflicts in the region, as well as those of the prominent African figures who are assisting these organisations;

- establish and maintain close contact with the governments of the countries in the region and with other interested governments and international organisations in order to identify measures which need to be taken towards solving the problems of the region;

- where appropriate, establish contact with other prominent figures and parties who might have a role to play in settling the conflicts in the region.

Article 3

1. The Special Representative shall conclude a contract with the Council.

2. The Special Representative shall be responsible for implementing his/her mandate, including the constitution of his/her team, in consultation with the Presidency, assisted by the Secretary-General/High Representative, and in full association with the Commission.

3. Member States and institutions of the European Union (EU) may propose the secondment of staff to work with the Special Representative. The remuneration of personnel who might be seconded by a Member State or an EU institution to the Special Representative shall be covered by the Member State or the EU institution concerned respectively.

4. All A-type posts to be filled shall be published in Member States and EU institutions and taken up by the best qualified applicants.

5. The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the Special Representative and the members of his staff shall be defined with the parties. Member States and the Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.

6. The Presidency, Commission and/or Member States, as appropriate, will provide logistical support in the region.

Article 4

The Special Representative shall report directly to the Secretary-General/High Representative. He shall be accountable to him as regards the administrative costs incurred in connection with his/her activities.

Article 5

1. The Special Representative shall submit regular reports on his/her own initiative or when requested, to the Council through the Secretary-General/High Representative. Such reports shall also be forwarded to the Commission.

2. The implementation of this Joint Action shall be kept under regular review, taking into account notably the development of, and consistency with, other EU contributions to the region.

Article 6

This Joint Action shall enter into force on 1 January 2002.

It shall apply until 31 December 2002.

Article 7

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels, 10 December 2001.

For the Council

The President

L. Michel

(1) OJ L 318, 16.12.2000, p. 1.