Stockholm, January 23, 2010 – The Government will today submit a Government Bill to the Riksdag, in which it is proposed that HMS Carlskrona be made available for participation in the EU maritime operation off the coast of Somalia (Operation Atalanta). Operation Atalanta has developed into a key factor in increased international cooperation against piracy off the coast of Somalia. During the first four months, Sweden will have command responsibility for Atalanta's force headquarters.

Renewed participation in Operation Atalanta will complement and strengthen Sweden's commitment in Somalia. This operation also provides clear and required support to UN activities.

"It is particularly important that the operation can continue to help humanitarian assistance from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reach mainland Somalia. If pirates hinder this help from reaching Somalia by sea, there is a risk of considerable humanitarian consequences," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

"The fact that Sweden has been asked to assume command responsibility is a strong vote of confidence, which also reflects our desire to take responsibility for EU crisis management," says Mr Bildt.

This presence is also seen to make it easier for merchant shipping in the area, including vessels that fly the Swedish flag and that sail in the area.

Sweden will also contribute one of the Swedish Coast Guard's maritime surveillance aircraft. This kind of contribution is very much in demand, as there has, at times, been a shortage of this kind of aircraft within the operation.

Contact

Anders Jörle

Head of the Press Service

work +46 8 405 57 27

cell +46 70 888 36 24

email to Anders Jörle

Source: Government of Sweden,  Thursday, January 21, 2010

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