Seychelles fishing vessels to be allowed to carry guns

(B2) After the capture of a Spanish fishing boat by pirates, the government of Seychelles announced that it would allow its vessels flying its flag - there are about ten of them - to be able to have weapons on board and armed paramilitaries able to offer them protection. "It will be done this week", said the Minister of Transport of the Archipelago, Joel Morgan, in an interview with the local press. "For the rest of the Spanish fishing fleet, under the Spanish flag, it still has to be negotiated with their government. And they are waiting - he added - for the decision whether or not they can arm their ships.“ About forty fishing vessels are in the region. French, Spanish and under the Seychelles flag.