Some details on the territorial extension of Atalanta
(BRUSSELS2, exclusive) According to a draft decision that I was able to consult, the territorial extension of the European Union's anti-piracy operation (Eunavfor Atalanta) would concern three operational points as well as the transfer of suspects. This decision should be adopted quickly, after the United Kingdom lifts its parliamentary reservation, which should be done quickly, a European and British diplomat confirmed to me. This decision will allow the commander of the operation, Rear Admiral Duncan Potts to adapt the operation plan in a more offensive way.
Operations and Monitoring
• Deployed forces will be able to operates in Somalia » and no longer only « off the coast of Somalia and neighboring countries in the maritime areas of the Indian Ocean region ».
• Monitoring of areas off the coast of Somalia will also include “ its territorial waters and its waters interior “, presenting risks for maritime activities, in particular maritime traffic.
• Atalanta will be able to provide a “ protected » ships chartered by the World Food Program (WFP), "including when navigating in the territorial and internal waters of Somalia ". Until now, they stopped near the port of Mogadishu where the relay was taken by the forces of AMISOM. Which was not always obvious. This protection includes escort by a vessel or/and the presence on board the vessels concerned of armed elements from Atalanta ».
Arrest and transfer of suspects
• Suspects intending to commit, committing or having committed acts of piracy or armed robbery may be apprehended and detained by Atalanta in the " inland waters of Somalia as in the "High seas.
• Suspects intercepted “ in the territorial waters, internal waters or archipelagic waters of other States in the region, in agreement with them, as well as the property used to carry out these acts » could be « transferred to the competent authorities of the State concerned or, with the latter's consent, to the competent authorities of another State. » Which gives the legal basis to the organization of a direct transfer agreement to the authorities of Somalia (Central, Puntland or Somaliland) or allows the transfer of persons arrested in these areas to Mauritius or the island Seychelles for trial for example (before returning to prison in Somalia).
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