EU appoints new commander of anti-piracy mission in Somalia

BRUSSELS, June 16 (KUNA) -- The EU's Political and Security Committee announced here Thursday the appointment of Rear Admiral Duncan Potts from the UK as Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force Atalanta Operation combating piracy off the Somali coast.
Potts will take up his duties on 1 August 2011 when the decision enters into force and the mandate of the current Operation Commander, Major-General Buster Howes expires, said the EU in a statement.
EU Naval Force Atalanta Operation was launched on 8 December 2008 in support of UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 2008. It is the first naval operation to have been launched by the EU. (end) nk.mt KUNA 161304 Jun 11NNNN