03/04/2023 (Agence Europe) – Italian Rear Admiral Valentino Rinaldi became the European Union Force Commander for the EU’s CSDP military operation in the Mediterranean, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, on Saturday 1 April, following a decision by the ambassadors of the Member States meeting in the Political and Security Committee of the EU Council. Mr Rinaldi replaced Greek Rear Admiral Stylianos Dimopoulos, who had been in the role since 1 October 2022. Since its launch three years ago, the operation has carried out checks and queries on 8,647 merchant vessels, inspected 25 suspect vessels at sea and, on three occasions, seized their cargo for violating the UN embargo. IRINI has found and seized approximately 150 armoured vehicles or vehicles modified for military use (see EUROPE 13145/31). (CG)