L 165/56 Official Journal of the European Union 26.6.2012 COUNCIL DECISION 2012/327|CFSP of 25 June 2012 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 31(2) and Article 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1)  On 18 July 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/424/CFSP (') appointing Mr Bernardino LEON as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean region. The EUSR’s mandate is to expire on 30 June 2012. (2)  The mandate of the EUSR should be extended for a further period of 12 months, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 European Union Special Representative The mandate of Mr Bernardino LEON as the EUSR for the Southern Mediterranean region is hereby extended until 30 June 2013. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR). Atticle 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union regarding the Southern Neighbourhood as set out in the European Council Declarations of 4 February and 11 March 2011, the European Council conclusions of 24- 25 March 2011, and the Council conclusions of 21 February and 20 June 2011, and taking into account the proposals of the HR and the Commission in their communications of 8 March and 25 May 2011. Those objectives include: (a) enhancing the Union’s political dialogue, contributing to the partnership and broader relationship with Southern Medi- terranean countries, in particular those undergoing political reform and a transition to democracy; (b) contributing to the response of the Union to the devel- opments of Southern Mediterranean countries, in particular those undergoing political reform and a transition to democracy, notably by strengthening democracy and insti- tution building, the rule of law, good governance, respect () O] L 188, 19.7.2011, p. 24. for human rights and fundamental freedoms, peace and regional cooperation, including through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean; (c) enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in the region and in relevant international forums; (d) establishing close coordination with relevant local partners and international and regional organisations such as the African Union, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, the Arab Maghreb Union, relevant international financial institutions, the United Nations and the private sector. Article 3 Mandate In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to: (a) strengthen the overall political role of the Union with regard to Southern Mediterranean countries, in particular those undergoing political reform and a transition to democracy, notably by enhancing dialogue with governments and inter- national organisations, as well as with civil society and other relevant interlocutors, and promoting awareness among the partners of the Union’s approach; (b) maintain close contact with all parties involved in the process of democratic transformation in the region, foster stabilisation and reconciliation in full respect of local ownership and contribute to crisis management and prevention; (c) contribute to better coherence, consistency and coor- dination of the Union and Member States’ policies and actions towards the region; (d) contribute to promoting coordination with international partners and organisations and to supporting regional cooperation. Assist the HR, in coordination with the Commission and Member States, by contributing to the work of the Task Force and follow up meetings for the Southern Mediterranean region; (e) contribute to the implementation of the Union's human rights policy in the region, including the EU Guidelines on human rights, in particular the EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict, as well as on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and the Union's policy on Women, Peace and Security, including by monitoring and reporting on developments, as well as formulating recom- mendations in this regard.