Brussels, 30/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the EU is expected to approve a decision, by written procedure, this Friday 1st April, which will allow the launch of a CSDP mission to support humanitarian aid and protect all those affected by the crisis in Libya. The EU Military Committee has been charged with drafting an initial planning directive which will then serve as the basis for the development of an operational plan and a concept of operations by the future commander of the operation (an Italian Commodore who is expected to be appointed on Friday). Deployment of military means will come only after a request from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). If necessary, and if requested by the OCHA, the EU could deploy 1,500 people, whose tasks would range from protecting the area where aid workers are operating to facilitation of the channelling of humanitarian aid and the provision of logistical means, medical teams and other support. The military staff will be based in Rome. (A.By./transl.rt)