Government of Liberia through the Bureau of Maritime Affairs Takes s Stand on Piracy in the Gulf of Aden
December 9, 2008
On December 9. 2008, speaking at the 85th Session of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting in London, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs of Liberia, Binyah Kesselly stated that “the current and continuing threat of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Eden threatens the very foundation of the IMO, and thus demands the need for tougher measures to suppress the pirates and protect innocent seafarers and passengers from armed and deadly attacks”.
The meeting held from 26th November to 5th December 2008, took place approximately one week after pirates attacked the SIRIUS STAR a Liberian registered vessel, fully laden with approximately 2.1 million barrels of crude oil, sailing from Saudi Arabia and bound for the United States. Following the incident, which occurred on November 15, 2008 about 520 nautical miles along the coastal border of Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, another cargo vessel was also hijacked in the same region. These actions place the lives of the crew at risk and threaten the safety of the merchant vessel.
In an effort to bring attention and resolution to the piracy crisis in the Gulf of Eden, the Liberian Government represented by the Bureau of Maritime Affairs with the collaboration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense has engaged the IMO, US Department of State, the US Maritime Administration, the European Union, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization, International Maritime Bureau and other stakeholders, while working diplomatically to urge an international armed force to protect this shipping lane.
The Liberian Government has also called on flag, port and coastal States, as well as the national States of the victims and perpetrators of piracy and armed robbery, and any other State with relevant jurisdiction under international law and National Legislation, to cooperate in determining jurisdiction, and in the investigation, capture, prosecution and punishment of all persons responsible for acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast, consistent with applicable international law, including international human rights law.
In regards to its clients in the maritime industry, the Liberian Government has advised Owners, Masters and Agents that the situation in the region is complex and intricate, and long-term permanent solutions will require collective efforts, time and endurance. The international community is working collaboratively to put an end to the criminal activities, in the Gulf of Eden and restore safety, peace and tranquility to the vital shipping lane, and protect the seafarers and vessels that ply its waters.
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