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Anti-piracy conference opens in Cairo Anti-piracy conference opens in Cairo
(about 3 hours later)
An international conference is being held in Cairo to discuss the growing problem of piracy.An international conference is being held in Cairo to discuss the growing problem of piracy.
The meeting brings together experts in security, shipping and insurance as well as government representatives from 20 countries.The meeting brings together experts in security, shipping and insurance as well as government representatives from 20 countries.
At the same time, another anti-piracy conference is being hosted in London.At the same time, another anti-piracy conference is being hosted in London.
It is a clear indication that concerns remain over the threat to shipping, not just in the Gulf of Aden, but in trade routes and waterways around the world.It is a clear indication that concerns remain over the threat to shipping, not just in the Gulf of Aden, but in trade routes and waterways around the world.
The latest figures from the International Maritime Bureau show that there have been 114 attempted attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia's east coast so far this year.The latest figures from the International Maritime Bureau show that there have been 114 attempted attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia's east coast so far this year.
Twenty-nine resulted in hijackings and 478 hostages were taken.Twenty-nine resulted in hijackings and 478 hostages were taken.
The Cairo event is not officially sponsored by the Egyptian government, but is more a response from the private sector to the persistent attacks. Streamlined response
The Cairo event is not officially sponsored by the government of Egypt, but is more a response from the private sector to the persistent attacks.
They will discuss short-term solutions - such as improving security on board ships - as well as a host of longer-term policy proposals which they hope will streamline the international response.They will discuss short-term solutions - such as improving security on board ships - as well as a host of longer-term policy proposals which they hope will streamline the international response.
For instance, several countries have suggested creating an international court to try suspected pirates.For instance, several countries have suggested creating an international court to try suspected pirates.
For now, procedures vary greatly between countries as to what they do with the pirates they capture.For now, procedures vary greatly between countries as to what they do with the pirates they capture.
The broad message from the conference is that piracy affects all of us.The broad message from the conference is that piracy affects all of us.
In the past year, the insurance premiums for ships passing through the Suez Canal have soared - a cost that must eventually be passed to the consumer.In the past year, the insurance premiums for ships passing through the Suez Canal have soared - a cost that must eventually be passed to the consumer.