EU members have given political endorsement to the nomination of Herbert Salber as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, EU said in a statement.

Pending the formal appointment by the Council, Ambassador Salber will co-chair the upcoming round of Geneva International Discussions 17-18 June on behalf of the European Union.

Following a senior level career in the German Foreign Service, which included postings in

Belgrade, Vienna and Moscow, Ambassador Salber served amongst others as Head of the

OSCE Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan as well as Director of the OSCE's Conflict Prevention

Centre.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ambassador Salber to this important post. His long standing expertise and knowledge are significant assets for the EU and I look forward to working with him in his new role,” High Representative Catherine Ashton said.