Council Joint Action

of 20 July 2000

regarding a contribution of the European Union towards reinforcing the capacity of the Georgian authorities to support and protect the OSCE Observer Mission on the border of the Republic of Georgia with the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation

(2000/456/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and in particular Article 14 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) The Helsinki European Council expressed its deep concern at the threat the continuing conflict in Chechnya poses to the stability of the Caucasus region and possible spillover from the fighting in Chechnya to Georgia and the effects on her territorial integrity.

(2) On 10 April 2000, President Shevardnadze of Georgia requested the assistance of the European Union to contribute to Georgia's efforts to ensure the protection of its borders and neighbouring regions and to improve protection against terrorist threats, in particular against the OSCE Observer Mission on the Georgian border with the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.

(3) The OSCE Observer Mission contributes to stability in the region by providing detailed information on the traffic and events around the border in order to diffuse possible tensions.

(4) From 17 to 22 June 2000, General Sir Garry Johnson, as a representative of the Presidency of the European Union, carried out an assessment mission on the spot and concluded that there is a clear need for equipment to permit the Georgian Border Guards to perform their duties effectively, in particular the protection of the OSCE Observer Mission.

(5) There is a need to implement this Joint Action rapidly.

(6) The Commission has agreed to be entrusted with certain tasks necessary for the implementation of this Joint Action,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

1. The European Union shall provide assistance to reinforce the capacity of the Georgian authorities to provide, through their Border Guards, support and protection for the OSCE Observer Mission on the border of Georgia with the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.

2. For this purpose, the European Union shall provide aid to the Government of Georgia by 15 September 2000 in the form of equipment which shall be transported to the Shatili border post by 30 September 2000.

Article 2

1. The Council shall entrust the Commission with the implementation of this Joint Action with a view to meeting the objective specified in Article 1(2).

2. The Commission shall monitor and evaluate the effective delivery of the equipment to the Georgian Border Guards, its further use and the successful implementation of this Joint Action.

3. The Commission shall report to the Council under the authority of the Presidency assisted by the Secretary-General of the Council, High Representative for the CFSP.

4. In carrying out its activities, the Commission will cooperate, as appropriate, with local missions of Member States.

Article 3

1. The financial reference amount for the purposes referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 1 million.

2. The management of the expenditure financed by the amount specified in paragraph 1 shall be subject to the procedures and rules of the Community applying to budget matters.

Article 4

1. This Joint Action shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. It shall expire on 31 December 2000.

2. This Joint Action shall be reviewed by 30 September 2000 in order to ensure the respect of the timetable set out in Article 1(2).

Article 5

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels, 20 July 2000.

For the Council

The President

F. Parly