European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah

The European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EUBAM Rafah) is outstanding since 25 November 2005 supporting mission control at the Gaza-Egypt border crossing in Rafah ( Gaza Strip ).

After the closure of the transition due to the intra-Palestinian conflict over Gaza in June 2007 and the seizure of power by Hamas to carry out EUBAM Rafah was suspended on 15 June 2007 temporarily.

Generally

The Rafah crossing was opened after the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip to allow the 1.4 million residents access to the outside world. As part of its peace negotiations, the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority agreed to the Agreement on Movement and Access, which was signed on 15 November 2005. The EU has been asked by the parties to observe the clearance of passengers and goods at the border crossing of Rafah active.

Within days of the Council of the European Union met in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy ( CFSP), the preparations for the mission, and on 25 November 2005 EUBAM Rafah has officially begun. EUBAM Rafah was present at the opening ceremony for the border crossing with five employees, with time, the personnel strength grew to 89 members from 17 EU countries.

After the won by Hamas on 25 January 2006 elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council took over the elite Force 17, which reports directly to the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, the protection of EUBAM Rafah.

The Council of the European Union decided on 13 November 2006 extending the mission for a further six months until 24 May 2007. Further extensions followed, the last order of 26 May 2011 to 31 December 2011.

On 15 June 2007, the mission was suspended after the border crossing was closed since June 9. Patrick Delval, the Deputy Head of Mission, said on 27 June that the EUBAM Rafah will not return as long as the border crossing, as this would be controlled by Hamas rather than by the Force 17.

On 7 July 2007, decided to leave the mission as a whole, at any time ready to use condition, but to reduce the number of personnel.

Tasks and activities

Mandate

EUBAM Rafah shall complement the activities of the Palestinian Authority, particularly its security service with regard to the implementation of the agreements of the border crossing at Rafah actively monitor, verify and evaluate. You will have the powers to ensure that the Palestinian Authority complies with all applicable to the border checkpoint regulations.

Tasks

  • Support the Palestinian Authority in establishing of border guards and customs (training, equipment, technical support)
  • Assessment applied by the Palestinian Authority Procedures
  • Can in case of doubt as to whether the applicable agreements and regulations by the Palestinian border guards and customs officials have been complied with, require persons, baggage, vehicles or goods will be checked or re- classified
  • Promote the Israeli- Palestinian confidence building and cooperation
  • Participation in institutional capacity-building in the Palestinian Authority to ensure effective border control and monitoring
  • Promoting cross -border cooperation

Participating Nations and staff

At the EUBAM Rafah officials have been involved in 17 EU Member States (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden ). Currently, the EUBAM Rafah is led by Frenchman Alain Faugeras and consists of 13 officials from different countries. From Germany are currently (May 2011 ) Officials of customs in use. The EU called on the Member States to form a staff pool to appoint officials within a week after the reopening of the border crossing can. Germany planned a 4-5 officials.

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