High Representative Catherine Ashton makes a number of new appointments in the European External Action Service

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, November 9, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, announced today a number of new appointments within the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Catherine Ashton said: "I am delighted to appoint such excellent candidates to some of the key positions in the European External Action Service. Their talent and expertise represent significant assets for the EU's external action and I look forward to working with them in their new roles".

The appointments are as follows:

Peteris Ustubs has been appointed Director for West and Central Africa and Sahel Coordinator. Mr Ustubs is currently Deputy Head of the Cabinet of European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs. He is a former Latvian ambassador to the Political and Security Committee in Brussels and Political Director.

The High Representative also announced her intention to appoint the following people as Heads of Delegation, subject to necessary accreditation and administrative procedures:

Rupert Joy: Morocco. Mr Joy is a former UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan and has spent three years as Deputy UK Ambassador in Morocco.

Caveat:

NB To complete the appointments, accreditation requests for Heads of Delegation are sent to host countries. The selected candidates take up duty only once accreditation of the host country has been granted. The selected candidates must undergo medical examinations and necessary pre-posting training; further, appointment of candidates from the diplomatic services of the Member States is subject to verification of qualifications and other documents.