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EU may send naval force to combat Somalian pirates
The European Union is considering sending a naval force to protect sea traffic around Somalia’s coast and possibly do battle against the bands of swashbuckling pirates that have carried out lootings and kidnappings against EU citizens and vessels.
Granted, these pirates aren’t much like the culotte-sporting cutlass-slashing parrot-training scurvy-catching dirty drunkards of yore. They’re a lot more like the janjaweed in speed boats.
To confront this growing threat, foreign ministers from 27 EU countries approved a “strategic military option for a possible European Union naval operation,” which for most will mean participating in a coordination unit in Brussels aimed at infromation sharing to protect EU ships in the area.
Spain and France, however, have pledged military vessels for the mission. France yesterday conducted a commando operation to rescue two French hostages held by Somali pirates. The operation, which resulted in the death of one pirate and the capture of six others, was a warning to bandits in the region, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.
It appears the goal of the mission hasn’t been totally fleshed out — whether they will be sending EU ships simply to escort fishing ships and private vessels, or if they will take the fight to the pirates themselves.
Olivier Halloui, head of the Surtymar maritime safety company, said the best strategy was to hunt down the pirates in their home ports.
“We have to go and get them in their nests, keep close watch on the areas around their ports. Without ruling out land operations, under an international mandate of course.”
“Because once out at sea, there is no chance. What used to be a little local business has become an industry, a powerful mafia, real professionals.”
If the EU were to undertake such an aggressive mission, it would be the Union’s first without the leadership of the United States. The piracy issue could be an important proving ground for an independent European security policy.
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Those pirates could have a treasure trove of good PR if they would just apply a little black eyeliner and emulate Keith Richards a bit. (At least if they want to get in good with pre-teen girl set)