The operation in the Strait of Hormuz resurfaces. The French at work
(B2) We thought the initiative had fallen through. Launched by the British (1), taken over by the Germans (2), without really following up, it is now the French who are sticking to it, with, it seems, more determination
France on the initiative with other European countries
During the last meeting of Defense Ministers on Tuesday (November 12), the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, had indicated that there is a need for a European operation in " the arabo-persian gulf to ensure the safety of merchant ships against attacks. Present in the region, in Manama (Bahrain), this weekend, she reiterated this commitment: “ France is currently working to set up a European maritime surveillance mission. Several European countries have confirmed their willingness to contribute »
A mission of observation and responsible for calming the spirits
This mission will be well separated from the 'Sentinel' operation conducted under American aegis, with British (and Albanian) participation. It could start in January. The Mission HQ will be established in Abu Dhabi as the Minister confirmed during her visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Objective of the mission according to the French Minister of Defense: to observe, " help establish the facts, ensure presence and, above all, calm the spirits ».
Dutch participation confirmed
« A Dutch navy ship is expected to be deployed there for six months confirmed the Dutch agency ANP. The government is expected to give the green light to participation on Friday (November 29). For the Netherlands, it was mainly about observation. Estimated cost of deployment for the Netherlands: between 10 and 15 million euros.
A dozen participating countries?
Besides the Netherlands, Denmark has also promised to participate. France hopes that a total of ten countries could participate. On the German side, we seem rather skeptical, if we are to believe our colleague T. Wiegold from Augergeradeaus. The German Ministry of Defense has merely stated that no information was available on the concrete form of the French initiative ", even if it benefits from a " political support " in Berlin.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
NB: operation which has a code name, EMASOH (European-led Maritime Surveillance Mission in the Strait of Hormuz)
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Updated with operation name