Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy welcomed the appointment of Philippe Lefort as European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.

"I am very pleased that we are appointing Philippe Lefort to this important position. Philippe Lefort has an in-depth knowledge of the region and years of experience working there at the very highest level. I am confident that he is an ideal choice for the EUSR for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia and that he will enhance the EU's role in this sensitive region. I very much look forward to working with him."