Defence: The Council of Ministers authorizes the extension of International Missions. Two new missions launched: ASPIDES and LEVANTE

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“The Government’s decision to extend international missions and submit to the Parliament the approval of two new ones, Aspides and Levante, testifies to the role our Armed Forces play to defend the interests of the country. Italy was asked to assume the tactical command of Mission Aspides, to carry out the fundamental task of protecting sea lanes and countering all forms of terrorism and hybrid war. Moreover, through Mission Levante, Italy confirms its will to provide aid to the Palestinian people, who are the victims of Hamas terrorist attacks.

This is a broad-range commitment which, in line with developments in the international scenario, underscores the constant operational effort of the Defence servicemen and servicewomen, both at home and abroad”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in a press release on the decision of the Council of Ministers.

The Council, which met yesterday, was chaired by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, In accordance with Law 145/2016, it endorsed the extension of ongoing international missions as well as development cooperation initiatives in support of peace and stabilization processes. It also endorsed the launch of two new missions, Apides and Levante

As regards the latter, Aspides was approved following its establishment by the European Union. It provides for the engagement of an integrated mechanism in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean area, in synergy with EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, EMASOH and Combined Maritime Forces. Mission Levante, on the other hand, provides for a military mechanism within the national contribution aimed to implement humanitarian initiatives for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The decision will now be submitted to the Parliament for the necessary endorsement, in accordance with the law on international military missions. As soon as established by the agenda, the Defence Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister will refer to the Chambers on Mission Aspides. After the Parliament’s green light to the launch of the naval mission, Italy, as requested by the EU, will assume its tactical and operational command. A recognition which assigns our country a decisive  role for the protection of commercial traffic and freedom of navigation in the area.