VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #8072 2562252
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 122245Z SEP 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000

UNCLAS STATE 098072 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC PREL PHSA PBTS EWWT XA XW
SUBJECT: SOMALIA PIRACY: LETTER TO SC RELAYING USG ACTIONS 
TAKEN PER 1816 
 
¶1.  This is an action request see paragraph 2. 
 
¶2. Operational paragraph 12 of UNSCR 1816 requests states 
cooperating with the TFG inform the Security Council 
within 3 months of the progress of actions undertaken in the 
exercise of the authority provided in operational 
paragraph 7 of that resolution.  Department officials working 
through the Interagency Maritime Security Working 
Group drafted a letter for signature by a USUN Ambassador to 
be delivered to the Security Council.  USUN is 
requested to preview the draft letter with the other four 
members currently working with the TFG to combat piracy, 
namely Canada, Denmark, France, and Spain, at least twenty 
four hours before submitting the letter to the Security 
Council President.  USUN should note to piracy partners, 
however, that the letter has been thoroughly vetted through 
the interagency process and will not likely be altered.  USUN 
is instructed to deliver the letter to the Security Council 
President no later than noon, Tuesday, September 16. 
 
¶3.  Begin letter 
 
Excellency, 
 
As you are aware, in paragraph 7 of resolution 1816 (2008), 
the Security Council decided that, for a period of 
six months from the date of that resolution, states 
cooperating with the Transitional Federal Government of 
Somalia (TFG) in the fight against piracy and armed robbery 
at sea off the coast of Somalia may undertake 
measures in accordance with the provisions of that paragraph. 
 In paragraph 12 of that resolution, the 
Security Council requests states cooperating with the TFG to 
inform the Security Council within 3 months of the 
progress of actions undertaken in the exercise of the 
authority provided in paragraph 7.  In response to this 
request, the United States of America is pleased to provide 
the following information. 
 
For many months the United States has been working with the 
TFG and interested states on addressing the scourge of 
piracy and armed robbery off the Somalia coast.  After the 
adoption of resolution 1816 in June, the United States 
approached all UN member states with which we have diplomatic 
relations to ask for their support in combating 
this scourge.  We stressed that assistance did not 
necessarily have to focus on military assets, but could be 
provided in other forms, such as providing disposition and 
logistics assistance as described in paragraph 11 of the 
resolution.  At the same time, we have approached interested 
states bilaterally and in connection with multilateral 
institutions, such as the IMO, the EU and NATO on how best to 
coordinate efforts to operationalize UNSCR 1816. 
We have been very encouraged by the level of interest in 
combating this problem. 
 
In addition to these efforts to operationalize UNSCR 1816, on 
August 22, following a rash of attacks by pirates near 
Somalia, the Combined Maritime Forces in the Gulf of Aden 
established a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in 
international waters off the Somali coast.   The MSPA is 
patrolled by three U.S. vessels as well as a British, 
French, and Canadian ship tasked with conducting operations 
off the coast of Somalia.  The MSPA will act as a buffer 
area between the Somali coast and shipping lanes off southern 
Yemen.  The task force has publicized the patrol area 
and advises all marine traffic to stay north of the patrol 
area when transiting the Gulf of Aden.  This task force 
will patrol this area while the international community 
develops long-term solutions to prevent attacks.  We are also 
continuing to encourage flag states and those with 
significant numbers of mariners, as well as those involved in 
the 
maritime industry, to redouble efforts in training related to 
evasive techniques, crew member safety, etc. 
 
We note that, in accordance with paragraph 7 of the 
resolution, on September 1, 2008, the TFG provided advance 
notification to the Secretary-General that the United States, 
along with Canada, Denmark, France and Spain, are 
cooperating with the TFG in the fight against piracy and 
armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. 
 
In light of the ongoing international coordination and 
efforts to implement resolution 1816, and the increasing 
need effectively to do so, we anticipate the need for a 
continuation of the conditions that presently enable 
action against piracy as reflected in paragraph 7 of UNSCR 
¶1816.  These conditions were specified for a six month 
period which will end on December 2, 2008. 
 
We look forward to continuing our cooperation with all 
interested parties to secure the safe passage of all 
marine traffic off the coast of Somalia. 
 
Respectfully, 
 
 
 
(signed USUN Ambassador) 
 
end letter 
RICE