08/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - Brigadier General Eric Harvent appointed EUTM Mali commander. According to a Council press statement on Wednesday 8 June, the Belgian Brigadier General Eric Harvent, has been appointed commander of the EU's training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali). Mr Harvent is 54 and will take over his new role on 3 July 2016. He will take over from the German Brigadier General, Werner Albl, who has occupied this post since December 2015. This mission aims to rebuild efficient and responsible armed forces in Mali, which are, in the long term, able to re-establish the country's territorial integrity under the control of the civilian authorities, explains the Council in its press release. EUTM Mali provides training to units of the Armed Forces, develops autonomous training capacity and provides advice to the authorities in Mali for reforming the army. The mission's mandate was launched on 18 December 2013 and runs until 18 May 2018. (CG)