L 67/6 Official Journal of the European Union 17.3.2010 DECISIONS COUNCIL DECISION 2010/156/CFSP of 16 March 2010 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1)~ On 17 October 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/724|CFSP (1) appointing Mr Erwan FOUERE European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (20 On 15 September 2009, the Council adopted Joint Action 2009/706/CFSP (?) extending the mandate of the EUSR until 31 March 2010. (3)  The mandate of the EUSR should be extended until 31 August 2010. However, the mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a recommendation of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) following the entry into force of the decision establishing the European External Action Service, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 European Union Special Representative The mandate of Mr Erwan FOUERE as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is hereby extended until 31 August 2010. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a recommendation of the HR following the entry into force of the decision establishing the European External Action Service. () O] L 272, 18.10.2005, p. 26. () O] L 244, 16.9.2009, p. 25. Atticle 2 Policy objective The EUSR’s mandate shall be based on the policy objective of the European Union in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which shall be to contribute to the consolidation of the peaceful political process and the full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, thereby facilitating further progress towards European integration through the Stabilisation and Association Process. The EUSR shall support the work of the HR in the region. Article 3 Mandate In order to achieve the policy objective, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to: (a) maintain close contact with the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and with the parties involved in the political process; (b) offer the Union's advice and facilitation in the political process; (c) ensure coordination of the international community’s efforts to help in the implementation and sustainability of the provisions of the Framework Agreement of 13 August 2001, as set out in the Agreement and the Annexes thereto; (d) follow closely, and report on, security and inter-ethnic issues and liaise with all relevant bodies to that end; (e) contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in accordance with EU human rights policy and EU guidelines on human rights.