Eunavfor: always further east… + a regional court under study
(BRUSSELS2) The European Union's anti-piracy operation (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) will adapt its action in 2010, Rear Admiral Hudson explained to the PSC ambassadors on 15 January. A necessity for those who command the European anti-piracy fleet: “ it must be admitted that the tactics of the pirates are constantly changing and adapting » he thus explained in substance. The adaptation covers several points.
Extension to India. The plan of operation will be slightly modified to include in the zone the eastern part of the Seychelles where pirate attacks are no longer rare. There has indeed been an upsurge in this area for several months between Seychelles to the south, Oman to the north, Maldives to the east. We are closer to India than to Somalia!
Additional chords. Another track on which diplomats and lawyers are working: sign additional agreements to allow the translation of pirates in countries in the area and thus somewhat relieve Kenya (which no longer wants to deal with pirates (1)) and the Seychelles. In addition to Mauritius - track already exploited (2) - the Europeans are trying this time to conclude with South Africa, or with Uganda. Tanzania, another track mentioned for a moment, is for the moment abandoned, too complicated. Need it be said that Djibouti has
accepted that the pirates pass through its territory for transfers by plane, with accompaniment by a Djiboutian liaison officer.
A regional court ? In the longer term, the Member States are studying another avenue: establishing a regional court with jurisdiction for the area. This solution would have the advantage of being lighter than an international court (which nevertheless seems slightly oversized in relation to piracy which is, after all, "only" organized crime). It would also make it possible to have more assertive and permanent cooperation and support, particularly financial and technical, with the country that agrees to host this body. All eyes are on Kenya. But other countries could be candidates.
Cooperation with other forces. Cooperation with other forces has become institutionalized. A meeting takes place every month between the
responsible for the main forces (Atalanta, CTF 151, NATO), in Bahrain, within a structure called the Shade (Shared Awareness and
Deconfliction). Another point to note is the Mercury communication system. This secure chat (which I have spoken about several times) has become the standard of communication. " It is not uncommon for a Japanese ship to report a suspicious vessel to European or American ships. Similarly, planes flying under our command communicate to others ».
Port monitoring. Urgently requested by Spain – the Spanish Defense Minister echoed this again in Brussels during her visit last week (3) – this action is proving difficult to implement (see also: The blocking of pirate ports (desired by the Spaniards): "bullshit"!). " We can leave from just about anywhere on the coast. There are over 70 locations to watch Hudson explained to the ambassadors. On the other hand, EUNAVFOR discreetly undertook actions of surveillance, "marking" of pirate ships and observation of the coasts.
Each boat passing through the area is therefore asked to approach the coast as much as possible. Witness the Louise-Marie, the Belgian frigate which, before returning to its home port, sailed near the coast on its way back. “Information was gathered on these camps, as well as on the ships still held by the pirates awaiting ransom. The helicopter was hoisted up to five times in the air to take pictures of the coast and the pirate installations while our ship was close to shore. Purpose of the operation, demonstrated our presence and strength » we explain on the Belgian side.
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(1) The Evertsen episode, before Christmas, showed this, read: The Evertsen releases 13 pirates for lack of a host country, a bug?
(2) Read: Mauritius does not want Atalanta "piracy suspects"
(3) The Minister thus defended a “ greater role of Operation Atalanta, with port surveillance and control ". In his view, it is necessary to closely monitor the " three main ports where Somali motherships depart she explained. Also read: Operation Atalanta... not effective enough for the Spaniards
