Terrorists resorting to piracy, a possibility - Kohona

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Terrorists resorting to piracy, a possibility - Kohona
The likelihood of terrorists with naval capabilities, resorting to piracy becomes a distinct possibility, stated Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Palitha Kohona, speaking at the Security Council Debate on "The Situation in Somalia - Piracy" on 25th August.
Gaps in the counter measures undertaken at present and due to its lucrative financial advantages, piracy could soon spread its vicious tentacles to other regions, endangering sea lanes and global communications, he stressed.
A collective and a more dedicated international effort must be made to deal with piracy and must ensure that the global community is rid of this problem, Dr. Kohona added.
I wish to put on record that the dense shipping lane South of Dondra Head in Sri Lanka has been free of any piracy or other criminal activity in spite of the high intensity maritime terrorist activity using very sophisticated vessels, in the seas around Sri Lanka over a period of 28 years, he said adding, 'Sri Lanka's success in keeping this vital sea-lane safe for international shipping over the years is a significant record. It must not be allowed to be threatened by pirates or similar criminals at any point due to complacency. Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and personnel in this regard'.
Following is the statement by Ambassador Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona :
Mr. President,
At the outset I wish to join other speakers in condemning the attack on high government officials in Mogadishu and expressing our sympathies to the bereaved families. I take this opportunity to thank the Presidency of the Security Council for organizing this important discussion. We would also wish to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on possible options for countering piracy through prosecuting and imprisoning persons responsible for acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, including, in particular, options for creating special domestic chambers, possibly with international components, a regional tribunal and international tribunals and corresponding imprisonment arrangements. We also welcome his proposal for a special representative.
Mr. President,
Piracy has become a major challenge in the contemporary world and its implications, especially to sea-borne trade, are immense. We believe that it is important in the battle against this scourge to share the modalities and options for prosecuting and imprisoning pirates, including for imprisonment in third countries, and for essential capacity building in the states concerned. Importantly, we also believe that the experience and the capacity to deter and counter piracy can be effectively shared.
Mr. President,
Piracy has had a dire effect on the political, social, economic and humanitarian fabric of Somalia. In addition to the Somali coast, piracy has made its presence felt further afield, with the potential to spread even further. Somali pirates have now become more sophisticated and are operating deep into the Indian Ocean, utilizing mother ships for launching their attacks. If this threat is not effectively contained now, it will encourage other criminals to engage in piracy to achieve their own ends. The likelihood of terrorists with naval capabilities, resorting to piracy also becomes a distinct possibility. Gaps in the counter measures undertaken at present and due to its lucrative financial advantages, piracy could soon spread its vicious tentacles to other regions, endangering sea lanes and global communications. International commerce will be forced to bear an additional and costly burden, including through the adoption of additional protective measures, increased insurance coverage and diversion of ships to other longer routes.
Today, countering piracy is central to nations dependant on seaborne commerce, in particular those dependent on the sea for their energy needs. Efforts to counter piracy at regional level and through coalitions do not appear to have succeeded in overcoming this menace. Despite the existence of a 24 nation naval task force, the Somali pirates continue to harass ships, though the number of incidents have decreased. A collective and a more dedicated international effort must be made to deal with this problem and ensure that the global community is rid of this problem.
Mr. President,
We believe that to achieve success there is much that can be done at national and international levels. Piracy originates on land and anti-piracy measures must begin on land. In addition to deploying naval deterrence, anti piracy laws need to be strengthened and strenuously implemented. Improving domestic laws and regulations, increasing the efficiency of law enforcement, ratifying international agreements and implementing them and practical international cooperation will be essential. We call for the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1846 & 1851 on counter piracy military operations. Regional cooperation between navies and coast guards, including technical assistance must necessarily feature prominently.
It is encouraging to note that many international organizations and regional navies have been active in hosting seminars and discussions and sharing experiences. Sri Lanka hosted the Galle Dialogue only this month.
As the threat scenario and the counter measures at sea have evolved, it is time for us to revisit all international legal instruments pertinent to this challenge. Limitations in or absence of definitions have posed difficulties when executing search warrants, making arrests and conducting prosecutions.
Mr. President,
Having successfully countered a flotilla of small craft employed by a terrorist group and effectively protected large vessels transporting cargo and personnel by sea, we believe that the immediate answer to piracy at the tactical level would be to place, On Board Security Teams (OBST) consisting of well trained naval personnel on board merchant vessels as they would be a visible deterrent. They would, if required, react with much more immediate effectiveness. For this, we consider that United Nations involvement is important, particularly since the pirate threat posed in Somali waters has now spread to many adjacent areas. We consider that it is important for the United Nations to take a lead role in this respect.
I wish to put on record that the dense shipping lane South of Dondra Head in Sri Lanka has been free of any piracy or other criminal activity in spite of the high intensity maritime terrorist activity using very sophisticated vessels, in the seas around Sri Lanka over a period of 28 years. Sri Lanka's success in keeping this vital sea-lane safe for international shipping over the years is a significant record. It must not be allowed to be threatened by pirates or similar criminals at any point due to complacency. Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and personnel in this regard.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, addressing piracy around Somali waters in a sustainable manner would require a combination of domestic and international security strategies. We hope that the United Nations will take a practical and a lead role in this endeavour. I thank you.
Courtesy : President Media Unit