Rolling hills located 765 m above sea level, stretching out eastward towards the desert provide stunning views of an ancient landscape of vineyards, olive trees, and tiny villages. This is the road to Bethlehem that EUPOL COPPS experts ride when conducting regular work in this West Bank city and its districts.

The very challenging situation everyone is experiencing in the Middle East at present is at least for a moment taken out of the mind by the beauty of such a view, admirable also from the spot where the Bethlehem police district lies.

EUPOL COPPS Deputy Head of Security Sector Reform Section, Rade Odzic, has an important task to carry out on 11 September, when he meets for the first time with his Palestinian counterpart, the newly appointed District Commander, internationally trained and educated, Colonel Murad Quindah: setting the pace for “sustainability” of all the planned activities of the ongoing “Bethlehem Pilot Project”.

Discussing issues such as coordination and cooperation between the security sector and the judiciary, implementation of Human Rights and Gender aspects in planning and implementation of projects and the upholding of the Rule of Law, including on accountability, the two are on the same page.

What needs to be done now, is stepping out the engagement in the Palestinian districts. To the purpose, the two committed to meet the first week of every month and to apply the utmost flexibility to get along and overcome any challenges, for the good and the future of the Palestinian people.