The task of the EUSR is to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s policy objectives as defined and updated by the Council and to support the work of EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in the region. The primary task of the special Representative will be to assist the countries of the South Caucasus in carrying out political and economic reforms, especially in the areas of rule of law, democratization, human rights, and good governance. The EUSR should also prevent and assist in the resolution of conflicts in accordance with existing mechanisms and by engaging constructively with “key national actors neighboring the region”. The Special Representative will prepare for the return of peace by promoting the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. The representative will also act in order to encourage and support intra-regional co-operation including economic, energy and transport issues, and to enhance EU effectiveness and visibility in the South Caucasus. The mandate of the EUSR is to develop contacts with governments, parliaments, the judiciary and civil society groups in the region in order to encourage the countries of the region to cooperate on regional themes of common interest, such as common security threats, the struggle against terrorism, trafficking and organized crime. The Representative is also supposed to assist in conflict resolution, especially to improve the possibility for the EU to support UN and OSCE institutions and mechanisms for conflict resolution in the region. In addition, the EUSR is to assist the Council in developing a comprehensive policy towards the South Caucasus. The EUSR acts under the authority and operational direction of the High Representative, and is responsible for the implementation of the mandates of the EUSR. The EUSR is to report to the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which in its turn will stand in contact with the Council. The PSC will provide the EUSR with strategic guidelines and political input. The EUSR will report in person to the High Representative and to the PSC. In order to ensure consistency of the external actions of the EU, the activities of the EUSR is coordinated with the High Representative and the Commission. Close liaison should also be maintained with the EU member states and other international actors such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe. The Joint Action entered into force on July 1, 2003 and it is to apply until December 31, 2003. Before the Joint Action expires the EUSR should present a report to the High Representative, the Council and the Commission, making recommendations on further measures to enhance EU policy in the region.

Mr Heikki Talvitie was appointed by the European Council as the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus. Mr Talvitie, born 1939, has been Undersecretary of State at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1993-96) and Ambassador of Finland in Belgrade (1984-88), Moscow (1988-92) and Stockholm (1996-2002). He also possesses regional experience, having served as co-chairman of the OSCE\'s Minsk Conference on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 1995-96.