Australia to deploy anti-piracy warship

11:26 PM Sun 11 Jan 2009 GMT

'Pirates fleeing August 08 Gulf of Aden' .

Following China's commitment to send war ships to the coast of Somalia to assist a global force against piracy, Australia is considering deploying a warship after winding down operations to protect Iraq's oil terminals.

The Defence Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said last week that he would draw up a plan to join the international force after the US extended the invitation to Australia to participate.

The move would mark a significant opportunity for the Australian military to co-operate with the world's naval powers - including Britain, China, India, Russia and the US - which have all deployed ships as part of a UN-approved mission.
Navies from about 20 countries have sent ships to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean to combat an increase in piracy in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

The UN Security Council passed an anti-piracy resolution in December that allows military forces to 'use all necessary measures' and to conduct raids against pirates on sea and land.

somali pirate attacks map - .. . Click Here to view large photo

Australian warships began operating in the Persian Gulf before the 1991 Gulf War, initially enforcing UN sanctions against the former Iraqi regime and later guarding Iraqi oil terminals.

by Jeni Bone

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