South East MEP Sharon Bowles supports resolution to stop piracy off the coast of Somalia

5.36.30pm GMT Tue 24th Nov 2009

Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles has proffered her support for a resolution package to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Long described as a 'failed state' by the international community, Somalia has been in a state of civil war since 1991. In recent years, poverty and the need for food has driven gangs of pirates to hijack cargo ships off the Horn of Africa.

More recently, pirates kidnapped Tunbridge Wells couple Paul and Rachel Chandler in international waters and have demanded the UK Government pay a ransom of £4,300,000 for their safe release.

Sharon Bowles said: "The case of the Chandlers has sharply brought home the necessity of protecting European citizens abroad. We are all very concerned for them and hope for their safe return.

"It is tragic that in some parts of Somalia the humanitarian and security crisis is so bad that piracy has been allowed to flourish. Ultimately, piracy only benefits the pirates and in the process, damages both regional stability and global trade."

Included in the resolution package to be presented to the European Parliament are:

· Calls for the international community to pursue pirates on land as well as at sea.

· Calls for Member States of the EU and the Commission to find a legal solution to piracy - including putting pirates on trial in stable countries near Somalia.

· A clear acknowledgment that illegal fishing by European vessels off the Horn of Africa is a source of anger and contention for Somalis and should be stopped.

· Strong support for the Djibouti Process (2000) for peace and reconciliation to be achieved in Somalia.

Sharon Bowles said: "It is important that we support strong measures for tackling piracy off the Horn of Africa but in order to put an end to piracy we must deal with the underlying problems."

ENDS