Italy, France and Germany are calling
for an EU naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks
by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with a joint document
they are presenting at Monday's meeting of the Foreign Affairs
Council.
"Given the gravity of the current situation and our geostrategic
interests, it is important for the EU to demonstrate its
willingness and ability to act as a global security actor,
including in the maritime domain," the document reads.
"The mission will be in line with the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Sea and will be defensive," it continues,
stressing "the importance of using the already existing
structures and capabilities" of the Emasoh/Agenor mission in the
Strait of Hormuz.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said the Red Sea
mission may include the participation of non-EU countries.
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