Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 October 2005.

Somalia: Piracy

Question: What reports they have received about the hijacking of commercial vessels by pirates operating from Somali territory; and whether they will seek a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to station naval forces off the coast and to use force against pirates and land-based entities which shelter them.

Answer: We are aware of the hijacking of the merchant vessels ““Semlow””, ““Ibn Batuta”” and ““MV Torgelow”” in Somali waters. After being detained for some time, the ““Semlow”” has been released and her crew freed. The International Maritime Bureau has logged some 20 attacks on ships in Somali waters since March.We take a very serious view of piracy along the Somali coast, but we do not believe that a UN mandate to use force would address the root causes of this problem or the wider problems of lawlessness within Somalia. We are working closely with the international community to promote the establishment of an effective government in Somalia. We believe that only by assisting the return of Somalia to stability, good governance and the rule of law can piracy, terrorism and other forms of criminal activity be brought under control.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1577; 674 c132-3WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Somalia
Tuesday, 20 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords; Somalia
Thursday, 10 November 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Piracy Somalia UN Security Council
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk