Two things jumped out at me. The first is that I didn't know that Piracy was Tanzania's problem, where the EU has to come and help Tanzania (indicating that it's Tanzania's problem, but we'll help), and the other, the European Union Naval Force, what the hell is that!Local News
EU promises to step up anti-piracy warBy DAILY NEWS Reporter, 10th October 2010 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 234
THE European Union (EU) has reiterated its commitment to help Tanzania in the war against pirates off the country's coast and prosecution of suspects.
The French Embassy said in a statement on Sunday on the occasion of the arrival of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) French destroyer De Grasse at the Dar es Salam Port.
The De Grasse is part of the EU NAVFOR task force created to fight Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the East African coast, within the framework of the Atalanta Counter Piracy Military Operation.
The De Grasse is also the EU NAVFOR flag ship which is under the command of Rear-Admiral Philippe Coindreau, the acting EU NAVFOR Force Commander. There are currently ten EU warships that are participating to the Atalanta operation under EU flag.
The De Grasse has a crew of 315 sailors. In the statement the EU said it remains more than ever committed to the fight against piracy and to contribute with regional actors to tackle its root causes.
"Without international protection of the international maritime transport routes, ports like Mombasa or Dar el Salaam would be even further affected by piracy.
"We look forward to continued cooperation with the Tanzanian authorities in the fight against piracy and reiterate our willingness to engage in consultations to overcome the difficulties Tanzania might face in the prosecution of piracy suspects," the statement read in part.
The visit will come shortly after a Ministerial Conference on Piracy taking place in Mauritius since 7 October. This conference is expected to endorse a regional strategy to tackle piracy.
