Somali troops arrest a pirate from the Dubai-flagged ship Al-Khaleej in northern port town of Bosasso. Somali troops stormed the Dubai-flagged ship that had been hijacked off the Horn of Africa nation early this year, releasing its crew and arresting seven pirates. Photo/REUTERS

Big Rise In Piracy Could Close Suez Canal Trade -- The Guardian

More than 60 attacks off Somali coast this year
Increased cost of shipping jeopardises aid delivery

The dramatic increase in piracy in the Gulf of Aden could trigger a humanitarian and environmental disaster in the Horn of Africa and cut off global sea routes through the Suez canal, a report warned yesterday.

The report, by the Chatham House foreign policy thinktank, calls for a reinforced international naval presence in the region to combat the mostly Somalia-based pirates, with a significantly strengthened European component.

It also suggests the creation of a coastguard run on Somalia's behalf, possibly by the UN or African Union in the absence of a stable government in Mogadishu.

The Chatham House report emerged in the midst of a tense maritime standoff between the US navy and pirates who have seized a Ukrainian ship filled with tanks and other heavy weapons.

Somalia's foreign ministry said yesterday that telephone negotiations were taking place between the owners of the MV Faina and the pirates, who are demanding a $20m (£10m) ransom to release the vessel and its 21 crew. The ministry added that foreign forces had permission to use force if necessary.

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My Comment: Piracy threatens global trade, foreign aid, and security. This is a situation that must be stopped ASAP.