Date : 20/05/2009
UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (KUNA) The Somali Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) on Wednesday officially informed the Security Council that it has agreed
to Iran's decision to dispatch two naval vessels to the region off the Somali
coast and the Gulf of Aden, affected by piracy, in order to carry out
protective escorts and anti-piracy related operations according to relevant
council resolutions.
In a letter addressed to the council president, Russia, Somali UN envoy
Elmi Ahmed Duale explained that Iran wishes to cooperate with the Somali
Government in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast
of Somalia, which is "acceptable to the Transitional Federal Government of
Somalia."
He said the Iranian naval vessels are expected to remain in the region of
operation until 21 October 2009.
He also noted that the Iranian vessels will protect and escort the ships
that are "related to Iran or Iranian citizens and shipping companies and will
assist other foreign vessels requesting help." (end)
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KUNA 201822 May 09NNNN