Ban Ki-moon calls for integrated strategy against maritime piracy in Gulf of Guinea
The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea was raisedat the 66th General Assembly annual debate Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged States and regional organizations in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy to combat maritime piracy, which he said threatens to hinder economic development and undermine security in the region."The threat is compounded because most Gulf States have limited capacity to ensure safe maritime trade, freedom of navigation, the protection of marine resources and the safety and security of lives and property," Mr. Ban told the Security Council during an open debate on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.He said he was aware of plans by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convene a summit on the issue and the intention of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to hold an international conference.Let us therefore work together to forge a balanced and coherent strategy that addresses the roots of the problem as well as deterrence on land and at sea."I also encourage them to build on the existing Memorandum of Understanding on maritime law enforcement developed by the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa and the International Maritime Organization ...
Read more