BRUSSELS, January 3, 2007 (WAFA) - Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, welcomed the appointment of Colin SMITH as Head of the EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories, code-named EUPOL COPPS.

Mr Smith took up his post on 1 January, succeeding Jonathan McIvor who was the first head of the mission.

Colin SMITH has significant police experience, notably in Northern Ireland and recently in Iraq as Commander of the UK police development mission there. "The High Representative pays tribute to the work of Jonathan McIVOR in setting up this innovative mission," according to statement is attributable to Cristina Gallach, Spokesperson of HR Solana.

EUPOL COPPS was established by a decision of the EU Council on 14 November 2005. Its operational phase started on 1 January 2006. The mission, which has a long-term reform focus, aims to provide enhanced support to the Palestinian Authority in establishing sustainable and effective policing arrangements.

A.D (14:43 P) (12:43 GMT)