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Delegates of the German parliament cast their ballots at the
Bundestag
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BERLIN, December 19,
2008 (AFP) — The German parliament on Friday approved plans to send
troops and a frigate to join European Union-led anti-pirate operations
off the Horn of Africa.
The measure was approved by 491 votes to 55, with 12 abstentions, with
only the opposition far-left Die Linke party opposing the plan.
German forces will join at least seven other countries in helping to
patrol in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean where more than 120
attacks by Somali pirates have been reported this year alone.
The mandate allows up to 1,400 German troops to join the mission but far
fewer soldiers are expected to actually serve, according to government
sources.
The year-long EU mission will include 20 warships from Belgium, Britain,
France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
The EU operation, dubbed Atalanta, took over from a NATO mission in
early December and is escorting aid ships and carrying out anti-piracy
surveillance duties.
About 17 vessels, including an arms-laden Ukrainian cargo ship, and some
300 sailors are currently being held hostage by pirates.
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