In this regard, the head of European diplomacy, Catherine Ashton thanked Lefort for active work and dedication to the common cause.
"Philip has worked patiently and impartially to assist the parties of the conflicts [in the region] to overcome their differences, and thus has achieved universal confidence. I hope that his successor will be able also to win all the parties involved," said Ashton.
Lefort held the post of the EU special representative in the region since August 2011. A new envoy will be appointed in the coming weeks.
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