LÉ Samuel Beckett under NATO/EU command in the Mediterranean.

national | anti-war / imperialism | opinion/analysis Friday May 18, 2018 13:37 by Joe Terry

The LÉ Samuel Beckett is one of ten warships taking part in Operation Sophia, or EUNAVFOR Med, nine of which are from navies of NATO-aligned countries.

I refer to a national Irish newspaper article of the 14th April 2018 under the heading: “LÉ Samuel Beckett to return to the Mediterranean on Sunday that quoted: “The ship, an offshore patrol vessel and one of the Naval Service’s eight ships, will set sail on Sunday to join Operation Sophia, or EUNAVFOR Med, the 27-nation strong mission operating mainly between Libya and Italy.” This report is “fake news”. EUNAVFOR Med does not involve 27 nations. The LÉ Samuel Beckett is one of ten warships taking part, nine of which are from navies of NATO-aligned countries. The commander of this task force is an Italian Admiral and has an Italian aircraft carrier as its flagship. Past Irish Navy Mediterranean tours were of a humanitarian nature, rescuing fleeing refugees from North Africa. This tour involves being part of an offensive operation, mandated to forcefully board, search and seize vessels on the high seas. What’s next in the EU program of deception? Last year, without public consultation, the Irish Government gave approval for Irish Military Forces participation in EUNAVFOR that are now fully integrated into the EUNAVFOR command structure. Military assets, associated running costs and personnel are provided by participating states. Incrementally, Ireland has been and is continually being sucked into participation in NATO/EU military escapades, into an EU army. The increase to two percent of GNP towards military spending promised by Leo Varadker to the EU would be better spent in solving the problems within the health service and the national housing crises.
Joe Terry,
Tower
Blarney
County Cork