EU launches navy mission to take on Somali pirates

And the mission8217;s ability to serve any meaningful purpose 8212; beyond a deterrent role 8212; remains under a cloud, with critics saying the only way to beat piracy is to start the battle on land, in lawless Somalia. For a year, vessels from at least eight countries 8212; Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden 8212; will escort aid ships and carry out anti-piracy duties under British Admiral Phillip Jones.

With a headquarters in Northwood near London, the fleet will initially be led off the coast of Somalia by Greek Admiral Antonios Popaioannou, with a Spaniard and then a Dutch officer taking over after three month terms.

While the EUNAVFOR Atalanta mission officially starts on Monday 8212; taking over from four NATO vessels in the waters 8212; it is unlikely to be up to full strength before the end of the month.

8220;We have responsibility there to escort, and to deter, and to protect, and those things are going to be done with very robust rules of engagement,8221; EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Wednesday, at NATO headquarters. Those rules of engagement will be endorsed by EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels tomorrow.