Brussels, 07/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - At the opening of the second regional ministerial conference on piracy in Mauritius, Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and EU Security Policy, advocated a regional strategy, capable of developing a coherent political framework, based on efficient regional cooperation, in order to attack the deep-seated causes of piracy off the Somali coast (EUROPE 10229). In so doing, she addressed a message of encouragement to regional organisations, which already have an embryonic strategy and action plan. She provided assurances to them that they would have European Union support to move forward and find a sustainable solution to the problem of instability in Somalia. The High Representative pointed out that the EU was the biggest donor to development and reconstruction in Somalia and contributed to 87 projects worth around €200 million throughout the country. She also declared that the EU would continue to provide strong support to Somalia, including Somaliland and Puntland. She stated that the international community should make a maximum of efforts to help Somalia re-establish peace, security and the rule of law and to create the conditions for economic growth.
The High Representative made a heartfelt appeal for the different stakeholders to act appropriately and responsibly. With regard to the regional strategy that she is advocating, she explained that this would need to facilitate cooperation and burden sharing in the region, as well as, ideally, providing a political framework underpinning national action. (A.N. / transl. fl)