EU in talks to launch own naval operation in Red Sea: German FM

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jan 2024 04:01
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Germany's Foreign Minister says the German federal government has made it clear that the maritime operation in the Red Sea is central and of paramount importance.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during a joint press conference with her Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo (not pictured) in Manila on January 11, 2024. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed on Sunday that members of the European Union are actively discussing the early launch of the bloc's own naval operation in the Red Sea against the operations carried out by the Yemeni Armed Forces in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"We, as the federal government, have made it clear that the maritime operation in the Red Sea is central and of paramount importance. From our point of view, it is important that the European Union plays its role and, logically, that the federal government plays its role," Baerbock said at a joint press conference with her French counterpart, Stephane Sejourne.

She revealed that "there are intensive negotiations" on this file, hoping that the EU "can come to an agreement as quickly as possible."

On Saturday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that he had submitted a proposal on the creation of a new European maritime operation under the pretext of ensuring "freedom of navigation" in the Red Sea to EU member states.

German newspaper Die Welt reported that a decision on the mission is expected to be made on February 19 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, and the operation itself is likely to begin at the end of February.

According to the report, Germany plans to send its frigate Hessen as part of the future operation.

In the same context, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also announced on Saturday that Rome is set to take part in the potential EU operation, while his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles said on Friday that Madrid would not participate in the mission.

In an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai1, Crosetto affirmed that "Italy will certainly take part [in the operation], since 15% of the ships of world maritime trade pass through the Red Sea. Italy is the most affected country. We already have a ship in the area that protects our ships."

It is noteworthy that the Yemeni Armed Forces have reiterated that their operations in the Red and the Arabian seas are only directed at Israeli and Israeli-bound ships amid the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Most recently, the Yemeni Supreme Political Council of the Sanaa government announced that "all American and British interests have become legitimate targets for the Yemeni Armed Forces in response to their direct and announced aggression against the Yemeni Republic."