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5 September 2008
TBD
UN envoy to Somalia calls for action against piracy
05/09/2008
The UN special envoy for Somalia says he's extremely alarmed by the increase in piracy carried out against ships both in Somali waters and in international waters near Somalia.
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah warns that "this piracy is increasingly a threat to international navigation and free trade in an already fragile environment."He says "the millions of dollars in ransom paid to the pirates and their associates inland and overseas has become a multi-million dollar business, which threatens stability in Puntland and in Somalia as a whole."
Up to 10 ships are reported to be held by pirates at present. Local Somali authorities say that trade to ports, particularly in the north, has been badly affected.
Ould-Abdallah welcomed the fact that the Security Council passed a resolution on piracy in June this year, but added that "these criminals are challenging this Security Council resolution and the time has come for a collaborative effort to put the resolution into effect.
He said, "The international community has to work quickly, before the level of criminal activity increases and affects ports in neigbouring countries."
This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
(duration: 1'02")
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah warns that "this piracy is increasingly a threat to international navigation and free trade in an already fragile environment."He says "the millions of dollars in ransom paid to the pirates and their associates inland and overseas has become a multi-million dollar business, which threatens stability in Puntland and in Somalia as a whole."
Up to 10 ships are reported to be held by pirates at present. Local Somali authorities say that trade to ports, particularly in the north, has been badly affected.
Ould-Abdallah welcomed the fact that the Security Council passed a resolution on piracy in June this year, but added that "these criminals are challenging this Security Council resolution and the time has come for a collaborative effort to put the resolution into effect.
He said, "The international community has to work quickly, before the level of criminal activity increases and affects ports in neigbouring countries."
This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
(duration: 1'02")