New EU special representative for South Caucasus and Georgia crisis appointed

Philippe Lefort is appointed a European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.

The decision, based on a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, covers the initial period from 1 September 2011 until 30 June 2012, says the statement on EU website.

In order to achieve the Union’s policy objectives, the mandate includes the development of contacts with governments, parliaments, other key political actors, the judiciary and civil society in the region.

Philippe Lefort is a French diplomat of more than 20 years’ experience. He has devoted large parts of his career to the Caucasus and Russia, among other things as French Ambassador in Georgia (2004-2007) and as Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Russia (2007-2010).