EU to extend Atalante operation against piracy to 2014

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) – The European Union (EU) has said it will extend, by two years, its Atalante Operation against piracy in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement issued Thursday in Brussels.

EU announced its decision to conincide with the meeting in London Thursday of an international conference on Somalia.

About 1,100 Somali pirates are currently detained in different prisons across the world, notably in India, France, the US, Seychelles and Kenya.

'Atalante' is the European maritime operation launched in the Indian Ocean to protect the ships of the World Food Programme (WFP), carrying food supplies and other aid to Somalis fleeing clashes between rebel and Somali government troops.
-0- PANA AK/AAS/MTD/VAO 23Feb2012