The Resolution of the Seimas on the engagement of the military units of the Republic of Lithuania in international operations (draft No XIIP-3587(3)) was approved by 73 votes in favour, with no votes against and 2 abstentions. Based on the Resolution, a new maximum number of troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System taking part in international operations is set at 130.
Over the next two years, up to 50 troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System are to be deployed in the NATO-led international operation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Explanatory Note to the Resolution outlines that NATO's Resolute Support Mission will remain the main international commitment of the Alliance. Capacity building of the Afghan National Security Forces and institutions is a priority aimed at ensuring long-term stabilisation of security in the country. It is planned that the Lithuanian troops will carry out tasks in NATO Training Mission Headquarters, train the troops of the Afghan National Security Forces and the personnel of their national security institutions, and organise the logistical management for the Lithuanian contingent.
Up to five troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System will be sent to the NATO-led international operation in the Republic of Kosovo; up to 30 troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System will be sent to the EU's Operation ATALANTA to counter piracy and armed robbery at sea; up to 40 troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System will be sent to the UN-led operation in the Republic of Mali; and up to five troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System will be sent to the EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA.
The mandate for the Lithuanian military units to engage in the NATO-led international operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo and in the EU and NATO's counter-piracy operations ATLANTA and Ocean Shield will expire on 31 December 2015. In 2015, the maximum number of troops and civilian personnel of the National Defence System taking part in international operations was set at 265.
