The 27 will decide to prolong and expand the Atalanta operation
(BRUSSELS2) The 27 Foreign Ministers are expected, at their monthly meeting on Monday in Luxembourg, to approve the extension of the European anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta for two more years, "until December 2012"(1).
They should also approve - according to the information obtained - his "agreement for an extension of the area of operations"both to the east (towards the Maldives and not very far from India) and the south (towards Tanzania, Mayotte and Madagascar),"in order to react to the widening of the scope of action of pirates". Which would be the second extension since the beginning of the operation, in December 2008.
The 27 should, finally, send a reminder, as a warning to the international maritime community to insist "more so that carriers strictly comply with good practices".
Satisfaction for Cathy Ashton
By the way, the 27 should send a message of encouragement for Cathy Ashton, in the "commending the tireless efforts" with the countries of the region to promote the establishment of regional cooperation in the fight against piracy (article to come) and "to find lasting solutions to prevent these crimes from going unpunished" (on this point, read also: Mauritius offers its services in the fight anti-piracy).
Strategic decision by the end of 2010
The 27 also announce their intention to hold a "strategic debate" on this operation. It would be at the beginning of the autumn, with the objective of examining the overall action of the EU in the region. The High Representative and the European Commission should thus be mandated to make proposals on "a comprehensive strategy for the EU in its relations with the countries of the Horn of Africa".
(1) This operation would remain under British command during these two years, with the OHQ of Northwood. General Howes assuming command in 2010-2011, before a possible return of Rear Admiral Hudson for the period 2011-2012.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
