Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement.
Acts of piracy are illegal and can never be tolerated. The ongoing naval operations off the coast of Somalia have increased maritime security and secured delivery of international assistance. The Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) has facilitated policy cooperation and coordination. In this framework, we have also managed to establish an efficient coordination mechanism (SHADE) between the multinational, regional and national naval forces operating in the area. All actors should support existing coordination efforts.
More can be done besides coordinated efforts to protect vessels. We need to improve our dialogue on maritime issues with the local Somali communities. Other illegal activities besides piracy should be acknowledged and discussed. Collaboration should be encouraged between Somalia and other countries in the region with more experience on licensing of fishing and unlicensed fishing. Previous studies on Somalia by the United Nations regarding illegal fishing and illegal dumping should be updated.
We should continue to explore legal options for suspected pirates that are apprehended. Efficient and credible trials of suspected pirates are essential to sustain the progress made through the ongoing operations. Kenya has made a very significant contribution through the transfer agreement with the European Union regarding prosecution. Kenya has so far agreed to detain and prosecute 75 suspected pirates that the European Union has apprehended. The European Union appreciates that a similar arrangement was concluded recently with the Seychelles. We support the decision of the Contact Group to establish a trust fund in order to support the detention, prosecution and imprisonment of pirates. Besides the pirates, we must also take measures to target the criminal networks not only in Somalia but also beyond that finance and organise piracy.
The European Union continues to contribute successfully to maritime security in the area through the naval operation ATALANTA. We have decided to extend the mandate until the end of 2010 subject to the decision by the Security Council to extend the authorisation in resolution 1846. Since December 2008, ATALANTA has provided vital protection to 50 World Food Program vessels delivering roughly 300 000 tons of food for the direct benefit of 1,6 million Somalis. It has also provided protection to vessels carrying shipments to the African Union Peace Support Operation in Somalia (AMISOM) and to other vulnerable vessels. ATALANTA has also had a leading role in the coordination of the different operations in the area.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia can only be eradicated if the situation on the main-land is stabilised. We have to address the root causes. Somalia remains a country in conflict and insecurity is widespread. Governance is fragmented. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is constantly under attack from insurgent groups and has not been able to protect its citizens or uphold law and order.
The European Union supports the efforts of the TFG and the ongoing Djibouti Process. The political process has to be accompanied by a comprehensive and coordinated approach to achieve a lasting settlement. This includes covering political, security, developmental and humanitarian aspects of the crisis. Clearly articulated political commitments and priorities on behalf of the TFG are key for efficient support. In this regard we welcome the first steps taken by the TFG to establish accountable financing systems.
In July, the European Union decided to step up its engagement for promoting peace and development in Somalia. For us it is essential to support the TFG to increase the security and stability in its territory. Besides ongoing support to AMISOM, the European Union is therefore considering a possible mission to contribute to the training of the security forces of the TFG. We continue to be an active member of the International Contact Group on Somalia and to deliver substantial humanitarian as well as development aid.
Acts of piracy can impact on human life, the environment and the safety of navigation and of crew members. In Somalia, piracy can also affect the delivery of humanitarian aid to 3,8 million people in need of relief. It is a threat to international commerce, and ultimately to peace and security in the region. The regional dimension has been emphasised lately by the expanding activities of the pirates. It is in the interest of Somalia, the region and the international community to address the menace of piracy off the coast of Somalia. Together we can do that.
I thank you.
* Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process