INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Unsc Lauds Counter-Piracy Cooperation, Calls For

Published: Mon 23 Nov 2009 11:12 PM
VZCZCXRO6461
OO RUEHIK
DE RUCNDT #1067/01 3272312
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 232312Z NOV 09
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7691
INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PRIORITY 2151
RUEHAE/AMEMBASSY ASMARA PRIORITY 1854
RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI PRIORITY 0009
RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV PRIORITY 0079
RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA PRIORITY 0345
RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI PRIORITY 0798
RUEHPL/AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS PRIORITY 0151
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 USUN NEW YORK 001067
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC PTER MARR PHUM SO
SUBJECT: UNSC LAUDS COUNTER-PIRACY COOPERATION, CALLS FOR
FOCUS ON ROOT CAUSES
USUN NEW Y 00001067 001.2 OF 003
1. (SBU) Summary: On November 18, Special Representative for
Somalia Ould-Abdallah briefed the Security Council on the
status of the piracy problem off the coast of Somalia,
emphasizing that the international community must build
regional capacity and address root causes in conjunction with
its security strategy. Delegations urged continuing
international naval force cooperation, including NATO
Operations Allied Protector and Ocean Shield, Combined Task
Force 151 and the European Union's Operation Atalanta. Most
delegations addressed the need for effective prosecution of
pirates, although tactics differed, with some preferring a
regional, rather than domestic approach. Somali Permanent
Representative Duale urged the Security Council to renew the
authorities of UNSCRs 1846 and 1851 and expressed thanks to
those that have supported the Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) and AMISOM. Sweden noted the EU's plans to extend the
Atalanta naval operation through 2010; other non-Council
members noted their particular
concerns, including hostage-taking and the impact of piracy
on tourist revenue.
Council Debates Piracy Resolutions
---------------------------
2. (SBU) In his November 18 address to the Security Council,
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia
and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia
(UNPOS), Ahmed Ould-Abdallah characterized piracy as a
sophisticated criminal operation, with outlets in the region
and beyond. He welcomed the proposal by the
Intergovernmental Authority for Development to establish a
blockade of known ports that are supporting piracy. Although
naval deployments to the East African region have reduced the
number of successful hijackings, Ould-Abdallah emphasized
that the international community must create a long-term
strategy "complimentary to security," to build regional
capacity and address root causes. He described efforts by
the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to assist regional
states in pirate prosecutions, and highlighted the IMO's
capacity building initiatives via the Djibouti Code of
Conduct.
3. (SBU) Somali Permanent Representative Elmi Ahmed Duale
expressed hope that the Security Council would renew the
authorities of UNSCRS 1846 and 1851 and stated that he was
grateful to those international organizations and States that
have supported the Transitional Federal Government (TFG),
including AMISOM and IGAD. Duale announced the TFG's
creation of a 1,000 person-strong coastguard, with plans to
expand to ten thousand. This force will fight piracy at
local levels, and combat illegal fishing, toxic waste dumping
and arms and drug smuggling. Duale also urged international
support for the TFG to better guard Somalia's ports against
piracy.
Council Members Speak in Unison
--------------------------------
4. (SBU) Delegations unanimously lauded international
naval cooperation to prevent piracy and armed robbery off the
coast of Somalia, including NATO Operations Allied Protector
and Ocean Shield, Combined Task Force 151 and the European
Union's Operation Atalanta, and urged continuing and enhanced
international coordination. All SC members acknowledged the
link between piracy at sea and the root causes on shore and
encouraged support for TFG and AMISOM's efforts to stabilize
the security situation. Many delegations suggested that the
same level of determination focused on fighting pirates at
sea be applied to solving land-based problems in Somalia.
Delegations also welcomed the work of the Contact Group on
Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), the entry into force
of the IMO's Djibouti Code of Conduct, and the work of UNPOS,
UNODC and the UN Office of the Legal Adviser to build Somali
institutions and enhance the judicial capacity of regional
states. Most Council members urged the international
community to contribute to both the IMO Djibouti Code of
Conduct Trust Fund, as well as the CGPCS trust fund. Many
delegations paid tribute to Kenya's efforts to prosecute
suspected pirates and praised the Seychelles plans to do the
same. Libya noted that Somalia's waters should be protected
against illegal fishing, and France stated that Atalanta may
USUN NEW Y 00001067 002.2 OF 003
enhance its support to the TFG.
5. (SBU) U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political
Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo echoed these sentiments and
highlighted issues that are of particular importance in
combating piracy, beginning with the renewal of the core
counter-piracy authorizations contained within UNSCR's 1846
and 1851. She noted that sharing information and best
practices, adopting "no concessions" policies, and
encouraging prosecutions are also critical. Ambassador
DiCarlo stated that a focus on Somalia's economic
development, political stability and humanitarian needs is
essential and encouraged efforts to support the TFG in
developing security institutions and creating viable
livelihoods.
Ideas for Cooperation and Prosecution
-------------------------------
6. (SBU) The UK said the cooperation of international naval
forces was "impressive and unprecedented" and called for
intelligence measures to counter the widening range of
pirates. China urged expanded maritime escort operations
with a clear geographic delineation of responsibility. China
noted its November 6 conference in Beijing dedicated to
maritime escorts and emphasized its continuing support of
international efforts to combat piracy. Sanctions were also
mentioned as a tool to combat piracy. France suggested that
"pirates and their supporters be sanctioned personally," and
Russia stated that it supported the extension of sanctions
and comprehensive measures to halt piracy at sea.
7. (SBU) Many delegations emphasized the importance of
bringing pirates to justice, although specific tactics
differed. Turkey noted the importance of exploring all legal
options, and called for the establishment of regional
mechanisms to support prosecutions. Russia echoed this
sentiment, stating that, "greater attention should be paid to
prosecutions(within existing human rights standards."
Russia stated that additional mechanisms should be studied,
which could compliment national efforts to prosecute pirates.
Libya recommended that the TFG sign direct agreements with
governments in the region to prosecute and carry-out
sentences, while France encouraged states to amend domestic
legislation in order to try acts of piracy within their own
jurisdiction. Several delegations, including Burkina Faso,
welcomed the initiatives of Somaliland and Puntland to bring
pirates to justice.
Non-Council Members Note their Particular Concerns
--------------------------------------------- -----
8. (SBU) Speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU),
Sweden noted the establishment of an efficient coordination
mechanism (SHADE) between the multinational, regional and
national naval forces operating in the region. Sweden stated
the importance of improving dialogue on maritime issues with
the local Somali communities, including on illegal fishing
and dumping. Sweden welcomed Kenya's significant
contribution on detaining and prosecuting pirates and noted
the Seychelles agreement to prosecute pirates apprehended by
the EU. Sweden noted the EU's plans to extend the Atalanta
naval operation through the end of 2010 subject to the
extension of the authorities in UNSCR 1846. Finally, Sweden
addressed the importance of focusing on the root causes of
piracy and its effect on delivery of humanitarian aid, and
announced that the EU is considering a possible mission to
train TFG security forces.
9. (SBU) Both Ukraine and Philippines noted the risk
increased piracy posed to their citizens employed by the
shipping industry. Currently 24 Ukrainians are being held
hostage by pirates and 120 of the 300 hostages held in the
first quarter of 2009 were Filipino. The Philippines has
offered assistance to strengthen the capabilities of the
Somali Coastguard and has invited a Somali delegation to
Manila this month to discuss capacity-building exercises.
Spain noted the wider range of pirate activity and stated the
importance of increasing protection for humanitarian aid and
commercial activity. Spain announced its intention of
holding an international conference to focus on a global
USUN NEW Y 00001067 003.2 OF 003
strategy for Somalia.
10. (SBU) The Seychelles gave a dramatic intervention
focusing on the country's unique vulnerability to piracy
attacks. Seychelles is comprised of 150 islands spread
amongst a vast sea territory of 1.4 square kilometers. The
country has been forced to divert funds used for economic and
social programs to anti-piracy activities. Seychelle's
fishermen now fear going to sea and the revenue from fishing
has declined by more than fifty percent over the last year.
Cruise ships have cancelled trips, lowering tourist revenue,
and cargo ships, which Seychelles depends on for eighty
percent of its food consumption, are by-passing the area.
Seychelles made an urgent plea for financial assistance and
to strengthen AMISOM and the TFG, stating that "peace will
not return to Seychelles until it returns to Somalia."
11. (U) The following non-Council members spoke during the
debate: Norway, Philippines, Seychelles, Spain and Ukraine.
Sweden delivered the statement on behalf of the European
Union. Note: A transcript of the debate is available on the
Security Council section of the UN website, www.un.org, under
"Meetings."
RICE
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media