Russia says UN-backed efforts on piracy will be good for Somalia

18.12.2008 Source: en.rian.ru

Russia will continue to take part in international efforts to crack down on piracy off the Horn of Africa, which will improve stability in Somalia, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The statement came after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday authorizing countries and multinational organizations involved in tackling piracy to "undertake all necessary measures in Somalia, including in its airspace" to prevent "acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea."

"Piracy and armed attacks near the Somali coast are only the tip of the iceberg that the country is dealing with today. We believe that the destruction of the infrastructure of piracy in the region will contribute to the overall stability situation in Somali, and will become the first step on the path to normalizing living conditions in the country," the statement on the ministry's website reads.

"The Security Council has again demonstrated that it continues to play an important role in issues of international cooperation and the coordination of efforts by various governments in the war against piracy," it added.

Resolution 1851 (2008), which was drafted by the United States, will be in effect for one year.

Pirates have been increasingly active in the waters off Somalia, where over 120 ships have been attacked so far this year, with around 40 vessels seized. The navies of at least 10 countries are involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of the East African nation.

In October, Russia sent the Neustrashimy (Fearless) missile frigate from the Northern Fleet to Somalia's coast to protect commercial shipping. The Neustrashimy will continue its mission until the end of the year, when it will be replaced by the Pacific Fleet's destroyer Admiral Vinogradov.