Press release
28 January 2010
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Swede made new head of EU police mission in the Palestinian Territories
Henrik Malmquist has taken over as Head of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories. The task of the operation is to assist the Palestinian Authority in building up an effective police organisation and an improved legal system. This is the first time that a Swede has served as head of an EU led international civilian crisis management operation.
"The operation in the Palestinian Territories means that the EU and Sweden are strengthening the Palestinian police and legal system. I am very pleased that Henrik Malmquist has taken over as Head of Mission," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
"I am convinced that Henrik Malmquist's sound police experience and professionalism will be a great asset to the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories," comments Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask. "The decision to send Swedish personnel is an expression of Sweden's commitment," continues Ms Ask.
The EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories started on 1 January 2006 and focuses on long-term reform. In addition to Henrik Malmquist there are another nine Swedes serving in the Mission. They come from the Swedish Police Service, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Swedish Prosecution Authority. Before taking up his post as Head of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories, Henrik Malmquist served as head of the National Criminal Police in Skåne.
The Swedish involvement in the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories is part of Swedish state-building support to the Palestinians. In 2009, total Swedish support to the Palestinians amounted to some SEK 800 million. This includes humanitarian aid.
Contact
Anna Charlotta Johansson(journalists only) Press Secretary to Carl Bildt
+46 8 405 54 73
+46 70 356 30 32
email to Anna Charlotta Johansson Martin Valfridsson
Press Secretary to Beatrice Ask
