18/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - It is unlikely that the Spanish EU Presidency will win the day with its proposal to use ships of Operation Atalanta (the EU-led maritime operation off the coast of Somali) to block the main ports used by Somali pirates. The idea, which was put forward again on 14 January by Spain's minister of defence, Carme Chacon, was brought into doubt by the commander of the operation during his presentation at the Political and Security Committee (PSC) on Friday 15 January. He highlighted the fact that there are over 70 sites from which the pirates operate. It is also possible that the Council will take into account further extension of the mandate for the EU NAVFOR mission, which is due to expire on 12 December, but this decision will not be taken until mid-2010. (A.By./transl.jl)