Brussels, 28 Sept. (LaPresse) – Regarding the Aspides mission, “today, two countries have indicated that they could provide additional naval vessels. It is not just the number of ships that matters, but also their quality.” This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, at a press conference following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in defence format in Brussels. “Aspides,” she noted, “does not have a mine-clearing mandate; this means we need frigates, air defence support and ships capable of carrying out escort duties. Two countries have indicated today that they are considering the matter and may soon reach a decision.” The High Representative then emphasised that “we need more naval vessels, as there are literally commercial ships queuing up waiting for an escort and we do not have enough frigates capable of carrying out this task.” As for the mandate and command structure, “they are designed precisely to meet this need — namely, to escort ships out of Bab el-Mandeb — and we are operating in close coordination with the Saudi-led coalition, in an observer capacity, precisely to avoid any overlap”.
Middle East, Kallas: “Two countries could provide ships for the Aspides mission”
Brussels, 28 Sept. (LaPresse) – Regarding the Aspides mission, “today, two countries have indicated that they could provide additional naval vessels. It is not just the number of ships that matters, but also their quality.” This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, at a press conference following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in defence format in Brussels. “Aspides,” she noted, “does not have a mine-clearing mandate; this means we need frigates, air defence support and ships capable of carrying out escort duties. Two countries have indicated today that they are considering the matter and may soon reach a decision.” The High Representative then emphasised that “we need more naval vessels, as there are literally commercial ships queuing up waiting for an escort and we do not have enough frigates capable of carrying out this task.” As for the mandate and command structure, “they are designed precisely to meet this need — namely, to escort ships out of Bab el-Mandeb — and we are operating in close coordination with the Saudi-led coalition, in an observer capacity, precisely to avoid any overlap”.