New EU foreign chief 'must hit ground running'

An alliance of leading NGOs has said the EU's new foreign security chief Catherine Ashton must "hit the ground running."

Ashton, whose official title is high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, takes up her new post on December 1.

The following day, she will address parliament's foreign affairs committee and, in an eventful start to her term, is expected to take part in the EU-Ukraine summit on 4 December.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, three high-profile NGOs outlined what they believe the former EU trade commissioner should do in her first 100 days.

Lotte Leicht, EU director of Human Rights Watch, said, "She will have to face an uncomfortable truth: international justice is under attack.

"We are looking to her to provide a sound and unwavering voice for international justice."

Her comments were echoed by Elise Ford, head of the EU office for Oxfam International, who said Ashton "will have to hit the ground running."

"There are several key events in her first 100 days in office that she will have to respond to but the worrying thing is the lack of support from member states which seem to be unwilling for her to have a strong and active role."

She said the ten-year term of Javier Solana, the EU's outgoing foreign policy chief, was blighted by the EU's "inability to take strong action in areas of conflict" such as in the Middle East.

"This has led to paralysis, division in the council and schizophrenic policymaking," she said.

Ford urged Ashton to address this by carrying out a "full review" of the EU's military and civilian capability.

Alain Deletroz, vice president (Europe) of the Crisis Group, said that "urgent matters are not going to wait" for the new external action which Ashton will head.

"Ashton needs to lead on critical issues from the start," he said.

Ashton, as a vice president of the commission, is subject to parliament's approval and will face a hearing in January.

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