EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Wednesday he was hopeful it could be decided later in the day which member state could lead the upcoming EU mission to protect vessels in the Red Sea, adding this operation could de launched before mid-February.

“Not all member states will be willing to participate but no one will obstruct (…) I hope that on the 17th of (February) the mission can be launched,” Borrell said.

He added the operation will be named Aspides , “which means protector”.

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