On Thursday, 7 March, the Saeima supported the draft resolution on participation of the Latvian National Armed Forces in the European Union’s training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) aimed at training the Malian Armed Forces.

The decision was adopted unanimously with 86 votes in favour and none against.

According to the Latvian National Armed Forces, as a part of EUTM Mali, two Latvian soldiers will be deployed in Mali as of late March or early April, to be substituted with the next team in six months.The shared costs of the operation are estimated at LVL 8.64 million for the initial mandate of 15 months, and each participating member state will bear the costs of their soldiers. 16 EU member states, as well as Norway, have agreed to contribute to EUTM Mali. Approximately half of the 500-strong contingent will engage in training the Malian Armed Forces, while the rest will assume responsibility for security, administrative tasks and medical assistance. The headquarters of the mission will be in Bamako, and the training is to take place in Koulikoro.

According to the Latvian National Armed Forces, on 18 February 2013 the EU Foreign Affairs Council launched EUTM Mali, which is aimed at training and reorganising the Malian Armed Forces. EUTM Mali is intended to help improve the military capacity of the Malian Armed Forces in order to allow, under civilian authority, the restoration of the country's territorial integrity. The mission will not be involved in combat operations.

Saeima Press Service