The Seven Sea Cruising Association’s call to action to end
piracy.
End Piracy: A Call to Action ➥ http://ssca.org/downloads/SSCA_Call_...n_2_Mar_11.pdf
In part:
“... In order to protect lives and reduce loss of private and corporate revenue, the United States should:
* Implement a policy to quickly and aggressively
rescue hostages from
pirate control. When possible, act before hostages can be taken ashore from
their vessels.
* Immediately take whatever actions are necessary to protect the lives and
vessels, both
commercial and private, which are currently vulnerable to
pirate attacks as they attempt to reach the Red Sea and the Suez
Canal.
We must offer assistance to the more than 100 private vessels, both US-flagged
and foreign, who have little choice but to use this
route and who are currently
trapped by the sudden escalation and expansion of pirate activity affecting the
approaches to the Horn of
Africa. Many ideas have been proposed, including
armed escorts and convoys, and we recognize any idea needs to be carefully
considered for cost and feasibility. Nevertheless, there should be an absolute
commitment to protecting the
safety of those needing to voyage through these
waters. Warnings to avoid the area are of no value to those who are already
there!
* Execute a binding agreement among the seafaring nations of the world and
their
commercial entities to immediately stop all
current and future
payment of ransoms to pirates for the release of individuals or vessels, and
publish this fact far and wide. This is a particularly painful, yet absolutely vital
step. It is highly likely that ruthless and desperate pirates will test our will and
resolve in this matter, and they have stated that they will kill hostages if
rescue
attempts are made or ransoms are not paid. While we deeply regret any loss of
life, more ransom
money paid means that even more lives will be
lost, and the
pirates will grow ever stronger. It is absolutely necessary to break the
current
business model where piracy provides a fast path to great wealth. Ransom
money equals increased piracy, escalating costs, more hostages and greater
loss of life.
*
Work through the United Nations to establish a multi-national naval
quarantine of the Somali coast that forbids armaments aboard Somali
vessels, authorizes the boarding and search of any vessel operating in the
quarantined area and authorizes the seizure of any armaments found on
Somali vessels. Build upon current military agreements to establish a multinational
coalition of naval forces to enforce the quarantine.
* Focus anti-piracy efforts on the sources of piracy. Lead a strategic
communications campaign to tell the Somali people that any action to conduct or
support piracy will no longer be tolerated and that any such actions will invite
swift punishment. Use military technological reconnaissance capabilities to
conduct comprehensive surveillance of the Somali coast to identify piracy
support bases and activities. Where such bases and activities are found, act
against them to disrupt any future attempts at piracy. Take steps, where
possible, to encourage all Somalis to return to peaceful pursuits.
It is envisioned that these steps taken together with the cooperation of seafaring nations will effectively address the twin motivations of wealth and survival that are fueling the radical growth of piracy. Strong international action is essential to the reestablishment of safe
passage over international waters for both private and commercial vessels ...”
More Here ➥ http://ssca.org/downloads/SSCA_Call_...n_2_Mar_11.pdf
Re: SSCA call to action to end piracy!
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