Italian navy delegation calls on VP |02 February 2010

The group were accompanied by Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero – also the commander of the European Union naval force (EU-Navfor) – and French ambassador Philippe Delacroix.

The Italian navy took over the lead of the EU-Navfor anti-piracy mission last December, and Mr Gumiero said Seychelles is also a country that is taking a leading role in supporting the fight against these attacks.

“The European Union is committed to fighting this global threat, and Seychelles has confirmed its support,” he said.
Yesterday, Mr Belmont again stressed the country’s firm support for the EU force, he said.

Mr Gumiero said the activities being conducted at sea by the EU are only one piece of the overall effort of the international community, and he believes the solution to this problem lies also within Somalia itself.

The Italian team arrived on January 29 and are expected to leave today.