(Sh.M.Network)- Taking steps to tackle piracy, the EU on Monday approved the launch of a new civilian Common security and defense policy (CSDP) mission to support regional maritime capacity building in the horn of Africa and westernIndian Ocean states."EUCAP Nestor is part of the EU's comprehensive approach to fighting piracy and instability in the region. A team of around 175 people will work to reinforce the capacity of states in the region to effectively govern their territorial waters.
Djibouti,Kenya, the Seychelles and Somalia have accepted the EU's offer of assistance. The mission will be extended to support Tanzania as soon as possible," Press Trust of India quoted the EU as saying in a statement.
Commenting on the development, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said, "By launching this new mission in the Horn of Africa, the EU is highlighting once again its leading role in the fight against piracy.... I hope that EUCAP Nestor will create lasting solutions to the scourge of piracy."
The new EU mission will have two main objectives strengthening the sea-going maritime capacities in the countries in the region other than Somalia, and "In Somalia, the training of a coastal police force as well as of judges."
It will give expert advice on legal, policy and operational matters concerning maritime security deliver coasties training and help to procure the necessary equipment, it said.
EUCAP Nestor, the civilian mission conducted under the CSDP, is embedded in the EU strategic framework for the Horn of Africa and complementary to the other two CSDP missions in the region.
Under the EUNAVFOR (EU Naval Force) Atalanta, European countries have deployed naval warships for repression of piracy and protection of food aid shipments, and EUTM Somalia, which is training Somali security forces.