SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia announced it will send a warship and a surveillance aircraft to the Horn of Africa as part of the international fight against piracy.frigate HMAS Warramunga, presently patrolling in the Persian Gulf, will be attached periodically to a new combined taskforce established to combat pirate activity in shipping lanes off Somalia.An Australian airforce AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, based in an unnamed Persian Gulf country, will also join the taskforce.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Australia was "stepping up to the plate" to help foil the hijacking of ships for ransom."We believe it's part of Australia putting its shoulder to the wheel, together with our friends, our partners, our allies to make a material difference to security in the region," he said.Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said the decision would enable Australia to provide a robust and effective contribution to anti-piracy efforts..more..http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090529/world/australia_defence_piracy
Kadhafi wants Somali exclusion zone to fight piracy
Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi called on Friday for the creation of a Somali exclusion zone as part of efforts to fight piracy in lawless waters off the Horn of Africa country.
Speaking at an African regional summit, Kadhafi said he will "submit to the world a plan consisting of respecting the economic waters of Somalia in exchange for an end to piracy."
He described pirates who have attacked dozens of ships over the past year as "poor Somalians who are defending their wealth."
"They are not pirates but people who are defending their rights."
Kadhafi also accused unnamed "foreign countries of pillaging" Somalia's wealth.
Warships operating under US, European Union and NATO commands, as well as independent vessels from nations including China and Russia, are currently operating in the troubled region in a bid to thwart piracy...more..http://www.africasia.com/services/news/newsitem.php?area=africa&item=090529161819.k4hrn4hc.php
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