Rear Admiral Krzysztof Jaworski, the Polish Maritime Component Commander, recently visited the headquarters of Operation Irini in Rome. Operation Irini, which is tasked with monitoring the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, is an EU-led mission focused on enforcing the ban on weapons entering the country.
During his visit, Admiral Jaworski was welcomed by Vice Admiral Guillaume Fontarensky, the Deputy Commander of Operation Irini. The meeting aimed to discuss the ongoing operations and evaluate the results achieved so far in monitoring and enforcing the arms embargo on Libya.
Operation Irini plays a critical role in maintaining the arms embargo, which is essential for stabilising Libya. Since its inception, the operation has conducted numerous inspections of vessels suspected of carrying arms or related materials to Libya. These efforts are crucial in preventing the escalation of conflict in the region.
The visit of Admiral Jaworski highlights the importance of international cooperation in upholding the UN arms embargo. It also underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting peace and security in Libya through effective maritime operations.
The details of this visit were shared by Operation Irini on social media, emphasising the ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration among EU member states. The operation’s leadership continues to engage with international partners to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.
In June, the European Union has appointed Rear Admiral Valentino Rinaldi as the EU Operation Commander for the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya He will assume command from Rear Admiral Stefano Turchetto on 19 July.
According to a statement by the Council of the European Union, Rear Admiral Rinaldi brings extensive experience from the Italian Navy. He has commanded various units of the Italian fleet and was recently the Force Commander of “Operazione Mare Sicuro.” He also served as the Commander of the Amphibious Task Force for the 2022 NATO Response Force and during the “Cold Response-22” exercise.
Rinaldi was the Force Commander of Operation IRINI from 1 April to 30 September 2023.
EUNAVFOR MED IRINI was launched on 31 March 2020, following the Berlin Conference on Libya in January 2020. This operation is a concrete EU effort to support the international community’s process to restore peace and stability in Libya. Its mandate runs until 31 March 2025.
