EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has picked a veteran Italian EU official, Fernando Gentilini, as new EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process for an initial period of one year, ‘’in an effort to relaunch the process as quickly as possible,’’ her office announced Monday.
The decision was made as EU Foreign Ministers met Monday in Brussels.
Gentilini, who has also worked for NATO in Afghanistan, was endorsed by EU Member States in the Political and Security Committee pending a final decision by the EU Council.
He is currently Director for Western Europe, the Western Balkans and Turkey in the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s foreign service, and is a former EU Special Representative in Kosovo. He has also been assisting the EU foreign policy chief in facilitation of the Serbia Kosovo dialogue.
Mogherini said in a statement : "The appointment of a EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process underlines the EU's determination to step up engagement in the process. Fernando Gentilini will work towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two-state solution. He will work in close contacts with all major players, including the parties to the conflict, members of the Quartet, Arab states and relevant regional bodies."
"We are looking very closely how to revive the role of the Middle East Quartet, starting with the role of the European Union," she said Monday at a press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
‘’We are also discussing and debating about the role of the Quartet, the format of the Quartet, we are discussing the future of the Quartet initiative,” she added.
Her comments followed a report in the Financial Times that former British Prime Minister, currently the Middle East Quartet Envoy, would relinquishing his post to take a different role in the peace negotiations.
"Tony Blair's responsibility focused on supporting the economic development of Palestinians. This is not the main focus we have. The main focus we have is the launch of the peace process," Mogherini said.
The Middle East Quartet, which comprises the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, has been seeking to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2002.
During the press conference, Mogherini was also asked about Tuesday’s geneal elections in Israel. ‘’We’re also looking very carefully at what will happen tomorrow in Israel,” she said. “The elections will be key.”