Brussels, 13/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton met Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti on Tuesday 13 March to brief him on the latest contacts between the EU and the Indian authorities on the subject of two Italian nationals held in India, accused of having killed two fishermen taken mistakenly for pirates. Ashton underlined “the need to put this incident into the broader context of international cooperation on counter-piracy and more specifically on the issue of regulating the protection aboard ships, whether they be Vessel Protection Detachment or privately contracted armed security guards”.
Catherine Ashton's spokesperson, Maja Kocijancic, explained that the presence of armed guards is an idea that came about in the context of combating piracy, for example vessels which, in agreement with their government, can be accompanied by armed personnel. It is a completely new concept which must be looked at closely, regulated and analysed, she said. The spokesman pointed out that Operation Atalanta includes a similar element, explaining that this is a very recent concept. It is also a mechanism that is used outside this mission when a ship crosses the Indian Ocean or goes from the Somali coast to another country.
Kocijancic acknowledged that the project is at the stage of “principle”. A legal base is needed, recognised internationally. She added that they would like regulation within the context of the International Maritime Organisation.
High Representative Catherine Ashton spoke on this during her visit to India in January with the intention of developing EU-India cooperation on such issues while also involving the rest of the international community. (CG/transl.jl)