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Russian Navy Stays by Somali Coast
A Russian Navy ship will stay off the shore of Somalia on the Horn of Africa due to the frequent pirate attacks there, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky, chief commander of the Russian Navy told RIA Novosti Thursday. The conditions in the Bay of Aden, where Somali pirates have become increasingly active, demand the permanent presence of Russian Navy ships, he said.
Vysotsky said that the Bay of Aden is already being patrolled by the Neustrashimy, from the Baltic Fleet. Other ships from other fleets will follow the Neustrashimy, he said.
A meeting took place on the Neustrashimy on Wednesday between Oleg Gurinov, commander of the unified sea forces of the Baltic Fleet, and Gerard Valin, commander of the French naval forces in the Indian Ocean, during which coordination of efforts against the pirates was discussed. EU member states plan to begin joint operations against Somali piracy on December 8 involving 8-10 ships.
Somali pirates seized 39 ships in 2008. As of November 20, they continue to hold 17 of them, including the Faina, which is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian tanks and military hardware. They also control the Sirius Star, loaded with 2 million barrels of oil.
www.kommersant.com
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