LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – The Commander of Operation Irini, Admiral Valentino Rinaldi, held key meetings in Brussels with senior EU representatives and ambassadors from the Political and Security Committee to discuss reinforcing the enforcement of the UN arms embargo on Libya.
Operation Irini, an EU-led mission launched in 2020, plays a critical role in preventing the flow of weapons into Libya. The mission operates in the central Mediterranean and conducts inspections of vessels suspected of carrying weapons. This arms embargo is critical to preventing further destabilization in Libya, where the flow of weapons has fueled conflict between rival factions. Despite several peace initiatives, weapons continue to reach Libyan factions, undermining efforts to build lasting peace.
Admiral Rinaldi also met with Daniel Markic, Director of the EU Intelligence and Operations Center, to improve cooperation between intelligence networks and enforcement agencies.
During his meetings, Admiral Rinaldi emphasized the need to focus on integrating real-time intelligence and satellite data into Irini’s operations, making arms enforcement more efficient and precise. This increased coordination aims to close loopholes and prevent smuggled arms from reaching Libya by air or sea.
While Operation Irini has achieved significant progress, it faces several challenges, including limited enforcement capabilities and persistent violations through land and air routes. Admiral Rinaldi reaffirmed the importance of EU unity and collaboration to overcome these challenges and ensure the mission’s effectiveness.
(ITALPRESS).
Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma
