EU appoints British General to head its anti-piracy mission off Somalia

BRUSSELS, July 3 (KUNA) -- The EU's Political and Security Committee Thursday appointed a new Operation Commander for the EU Naval Force Somalia - operation ATALANTA - which aims to prevent piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean.
Major General Martin Smith, Commandant General Royal Marines and Commander United Kingdom Amphibious Forces, will take up the post of Commander of Operation ATALANTA on 28 August, said the committee in a statement.
He will replace Rear Admiral Robert Tarrant, who has commanded the EUآ’s counter piracy mission since 16 January 2013.
Operation ATALANTA was launched in December 2008 and is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a peaceful, stable and democratic Somalia.
The operation also protects vessels of the World Food Programme delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia and shipping of the African Union Mission in Somalia. (end) nk.sd