The IRINI Operation Commander Rear Admiral Stefano TURCHETTO received a delegation of Members of the French National Assembly
Mr. Philippe Michel Kleisbauer and Mr. Jean Jacques Ferrara, both Members of the National Defence and Armed Forces Commission of the French Parliament were accompanied by the Rear Admiral Jerome Theiller, Defence attaché here at the French Embassy in Rome.
The IRINI Operation Commander Rear Admiral Stefano TURCHETTO, and his French Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Jean Jourdain De Muizon, received this afternoon at the European Union Operation Head Quarters, known as EU OHQ, a delegation of Members of the French National Assembly.
Mr. Philippe Michel Kleisbauer and Mr. Jean Jacques Ferrara, both Members of the National Defence and Armed Forces Commission of the French Parliament, were accompanied by the Rear Admiral Jerome Theiller, Defence attaché here at the French Embassy in Rome.
The Operation Commander illustrated the mission’s tasks of supporting the enforcement of the arms embargo on Libya, the prevention of illicit export of petroleum and the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking. He also presented the main results achieved by the European Naval Forces in Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) operating, from the 1st of October, under his command.
The French Members of Parliament and the Operation Head Quarters leadership shared their views and ideas on the national and European activities addressing the common threats to the Maritime Security in the Mediterranean. They agreed on the important signal given by this security operation, supporting its neighbourhoods and controlling the European southern borders. An exemplary European Defense Cooperation of 24 EU Member States operating together.
During the event, the delegation had also the opportunity to spend few hours at the IRINI Joint Operation Centre, the headquarters where the military activities are planned, directed and supervised. They were briefed on the ongoing tactical activities and the actual common maritime picture in the area of operation.
The central role played by France in IRINI, said the Italian Admiral, constitutes, along with some other contributing member states, the backbone of the operation, protecting the European interests, providing deterrence and at same time promoting stability and security in the Mediterranean Basin. At moment the French Patrolling Vessel COMMANDANT BOUAN is part of the Task Force IRINI.
