Brussels to tackle piracy

The EU is to step up efforts to prevent piracy off the coast of Somalia, expanding the scope of Operation Atlanta at the end of March, reports the Sofia Echo.

According to the paper, defence ministers announced plans to include the control of Somali ports which pirate ships use as a base, and the "neutralisation" of mother ships, within the operation's objectives.

In an attempt to increase the possibility of taking legal action against pirates, ministers also agreed to improve the application of agreements with Kenya and the Seychelles for this purpose.

Spanish defence minister Carme Chacón is quoted as saying, "The credibility of the mission depends on our ability to arrest these pirates and bring them to justice."

Source: Transport Weekly