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Henrik Malmquist, EUPOL COPPS' Head of Mission, met Dr Salam Fayyad, Palestinian Prime Minister

Henrik Malmquist, EUPOL COPPS' new Head of Mission, met today with Dr Salam Fayyad, Palestinian Prime Minister, in Ramallah. The Prime Minister and the Head of Mission discussed the main topics of the security situation in the West Bank, in particular the European Union’s support to the Palestinian security and judicial institutions.

The Prime Minister welcomed the new Head of Mission and pointed out the importance of good cooperation and working relationship between the Civil Police and the Judicial Institutions. He also expressed his happiness with the work of EUPOL COPPS in the region, supporting the Palestinian Authority in establishing security and rule of law. More info...

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Head of Mission Henrik Malmquist

On 14 November 2005, the Council established an EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The operational phase began on 1 January 2006 with an initial duration of 3 years. Henrik Malmquist took office as the Head of the EUPOL COPPS mission on 1 January 2010. He succeeds Paul Robert Kernaghan and Colin Smith.

The EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories, code-named EUPOL COPPS, has a long term reform focus and provides enhanced support to the Palestinian Authority in establishing sustainable and effective policing arrangements.

In November 2009, the Council welcomed the work carried out by the mission in the area of police and criminal justice. In particular, it welcomed the mission's efforts to strengthen its advisory section on the rule of law which now co-locate with their Palestinian counterparts and its advocacy for the Civil Policing Model and support for Community Policing. The Council agreed to take work forward on addressing further action in the broader rule of law in the Palestinian Territories. Synergies should continue to be sought between EUPOL COPPS activities and Community as well as Member States action in this area.