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Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs on Passage of the Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy

June 19, 2009

[Provisional Translation] 

1.  The recent sharp increase as well as recurrence of acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden poses a significant threat not only to Japan, but also to the international community.
   The Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy has been passed today. As a maritime state and trading nation, the maintenance of safe and orderly maritime navigation is extremely important to Japan in order to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
   In addition to escort missions of two destroyers dispatched to protect ships and vessels affiliated with Japan (28 missions involving 87 vessels have been enacted as of the present time), beginning mid-June, two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft have also been deployed. Under the new law, escort missions are no longer limited to Japanese-related vessels, but may now be conducted in order to protect vessels of other countries. Punishment of acts of piracy is also now possible. In light of the continuation of escort missions and other activities conducted by the JSDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also make all possible efforts in the coordination and collaboration between countries concerned.
    
2. For the ultimate solution of the piracy issue off the cost of Somalia, a multilayered mid-term approach is essential. This approach would involve the advancement of maritime law-enforcement capabilities of coastal countries, regional cooperation, and the stabilization of Somalia’s volatile situation that has led to an increase in incidents of piracy.
   Understanding the need for these types of measures, Japan has been providing assistance, such as the training of maritime security authority personnel as well as humanitarian aid and support designed to improve order and security with the goal of stabilizing the volatile situation in Somalia. Japan hopes to continue cooperating with the international community in providing such assistance.
    
3. The issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia requires a coordinated approach by the international community. Japan will continue to take proactive anti-piracy initiatives while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the international community.

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