Bulgaria to Send 2 Officers to Help EU Fight Somali Pirates

Bulgaria is most likely going to join Operation Atalanta against the Somali pirates with 2 navy officers. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria's government is going to decide Thursday whether the country would participate in the anti-piracy military operation of the EU.

Bulgaria is envisaged to send two navy officers to take part in the first ever naval operation of the EU - Operation Atalanta, whose aim is to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia - the Bulgarian government press service has announced.

A total of 12 EU member states are already supporting Operation Atalanta but there was a shortage of personnel at the operational headquarters in Northwood near London where only 76 out of 106 positions are filled.

Bulgaria's Defense Ministry has said the role of the Bulgarian officers in Operation Atalanta had not be decided and would depend on the needs of the operation.

The EU has recently decided to prolong Operation Atalanta, which was supposed to expire at the end of 2009, as well as to expand its geographical coverage as far as the Seychelles.

Ireland is also reported Wednesday to contribute two navy officers to the Atalanta operation against the Somali pirates.

 

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