LOC17:56
14:56 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- The EU Tuesday appointed Brigadier General
Massimo Mingiardi of Italy as new Mission Commander for the EU training
mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia).
General Mingiardi will take up his duties on 15 February 2014. He will
succeed Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, who has been in the position since
February 2013, noted an EU statement here today.
EUTM Somalia, launched in spring 2010, has contributed to training about 3,
600 Somali troops so far, with a special focus on officers, specialists and
trainers.
The mission provides specialised military training and mentoring in the
training domain. It also delivers political and strategic advice to the Somali
ministry of defence and the chief of defence forces and advises on security
sector development.
In the first months of 2014, the mission is set to conduct all its
advisory, mentoring and training activities in Mogadishu, Somalia. (end)
nk.mt
KUNA 171756 Dec 13NNNN