Brussels. On Monday the Council decided by written procedure to appoint Heikki Talvitie from Finland as EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia).

His role will be to help set up the political objectives of the EU in the region by assisting the different countries in carrying out necessary economic and political reforms, preventing and assisting in the resolution of conflict, promoting the return of refugees, supporting intra-regional cooperation etc. He will also be in charge of supporting the EU High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana carry out his work in the region. In order to carry out these objectives, Mr Talvitie will develop contact with governments, civil society, the judiciary and parliaments in the countries. The common decision adopted on Monday entered into force on 1 July and will apply till 31 December 2003.