The High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has informed the Council and the European Parliament of the decision to appoint Mr Eamon Gilmore as EU Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia. Mr Gilmore is a former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ireland. The HRVP informed the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos of her intention to appoint Mr Gilmore during a recent meeting in the margins of the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, in which she congratulated him on the agreement reached by the parties on 23 September concerning the creation of a special jurisdiction for peace and the announcement of a six-month timeline for concluding negotiations. "Mr Gilmore's direct involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process makes him an ideal envoy. It is a signal to the Colombians that the EU is standing by their efforts to put an end to one of the longest running and most murderous conflicts in the world. This is a unique opportunity that must not be lost", Ms Mogherini said. Mr Gilmore's mission will be to relate to all parties in Colombia and to facilitate the coordination of EU action and initiatives in support of peace, thus contributing to the smooth implementation of the future peace agreement for the benefit of all parts of Colombian society. He will also liaise closely with other key actors at the regional and international level. Mr Gilmore will take up his duties as soon as the relevant internal and inter-institutional procedures have been completed.