19.11.2008
Source:
Somalia would like to see more Russian warships helping the country fight piracy off its coast, the country's ambassador to Moscow said on Wednesday.
In October, Russia sent the
Neustrashimy (Fearless) missile frigate from the Northern Fleet to Somalia's coast to protect Russian vessels in the country's waters, where pirates frequently capture ships for ransom.
The Russian ship entered Somali territorial waters "with prior consent of the Somali government... We would like to see not only the Neustrashimy, but also other warships," Mohamed Handule said in an interview with Russia's Vesti television.
"The presence of the Russian Navy as a strategic partner is beneficial for us. We also understand Russia's ambitions - to reestablish its strategic positions in the world," he said.
On November 16, the Russian frigate prevented the seizure of a foreign vessel flying the Saudi flag in the Gulf of Aden.
Somali pirates have attacked over 90 ships so far this year, resulting in the seizure of 33 vessels and capture of 200 sailors for ransom purposes. The East African nation has been without a functioning government since 1991 and has no navy to police its coastline.
NATO and the EU have recently announced plans to increase their naval presence in the Gulf of Aden. About 20,000 vessels pass through the region annually.
In early June, the UN Security Council passed a resolution permitting countries to enter Somalia's territorial waters to combat "acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea."
International concern over shipping safety in the region has risen since a huge tanker carrying up to 2 million barrels of Saudi oil was seized on Saturday. Late on Tuesday, an Indian warship opened fire on a pirate vessel, causing it to burst into flames and sink.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin announced on Wednesday that the EU and NATO will launch on December 8 a joint naval operation, dubbed Atalanta, against piracy near the Somali coast. The operation could involve up to 10 warships.
