JOINT ACTION of 25 November 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union in relation to the nomination of an EU special envoy for the Middle East peace process (96/676/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in particular, Articles J.3 and J.11 thereof,

Having regard to the declaration adopted by the European Council held in Florence on 21 and 22 June 1996,

Whereas the Council declaration adopted on 1 October 1996 stated the readiness of the European Union to play an active part in promoting the peace process, commensurate with its interests in the region, and on the basis of its major contribution to the peace process so far;

Whereas on 28 October the Council adopted conclusions regarding the appointment of an EU special envoy for the Middle East peace process and taking account of all international efforts under way in support of that process,

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

Mr Miguel Angel Moratinos is appointed as EU special envoy for the Middle East peace process.

The EU special envoy is appointed for a period of one year, subject to review after six months of mandate, including administrative and financial aspects.

Article 2

The mandate of the EU Special Envoy will be:

- to establish and maintain close contact with all the parties to the peace process, other countries of the region, the United States and other interested countries, as well as relevant international organizations, in order to work with them in strengthening the peace process,

- to observe peace negotiations between the parties, and to be ready to offer the European Union's advice and good offices should the parties request this,

- to contribute where requested to the implementation of international agreements reached between parties, and to engage with them diplomatically in the event of non-compliance with the terms of these agreements,

- to engage constructively with signatories to agreements within the framework of the peace process in order to promote compliance with the basic norms of democracy, including respect for human rights and the rule of law,

- to report to the Council's bodies on the possibilities for European Union intervention in the peace process, and on the best way of pursuing European Union initiatives and ongoing Middle East peace process-related European Union business including the political aspects of relevant European Union development projects,

- to monitor actions by either side which might prejudice the outcome of the permanent status negotiations.

The EU special envoy will be guided by, and report under the authority of the Presidency to the Council on a regular basis, and as the need arises. The tasks of the envoy will be without prejudice to the role of the Commission which will be fully associated in these tasks.

Article 3

1. In order to cover the costs related to the mission of the EU special envoy, a sum of ECU 2,137 million shall be charged to the general budget of the European Communities. This sum shall be available to finance the EU special envoy expenditure with effect from the date of adoption of the Joint Action.

2. The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the European Community procedures and rules applicable to the budget.

3. The European Union will finance the infrastructure and current expenditure of the EU special envoy, including his salary and the cost of the supporting staff. The Member States and the Community may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EU special envoy. The remuneration of personnel which might be detached by a Member State, the Commission or another Community institution to the EU special envoy shall be covered respectively by the Member State concerned, the Commission or the other Community institutions.

4. The Council notes that the Presidency, Commission and/or Member States as appropriate will provide logistical support in the region.

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

Article 4

This Joint Action shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall apply until 25 November 1997.

Article 5

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels, 25 November 1996.

Four the Council

The President

D. SPRING