From the Council of the European Union:  The Council adopted today a decision on a European Union military operation in support of humanitarian assistance operations in response to the crisis situation in Libya ("EUFOR Libya" operation).

The decision provides that the EU will, if requested by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conduct a military operation in the framework of the Common security and defence policy (CSDP) in order to support humanitarian assistance in the region. More specifically, EUFOR Libya, if requested by the UN, will:

– contribute to the safe movement and evacuation of displaced persons,

– support, with specific capabilities, the humanitarian agencies in their activities.

The operation aims to underpin the mandates of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 regarding the availability of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilian populations.

Rear Admiral Claudio Gaudiosi (Italy) has been appointed EU Operation Commander of EUFOR Libya. The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of EUFOR Libya will be located in Rome, Italy.  (photo: Getty)

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