One, the Security Council has spent a lot of today discussing Somalia. We're still in consultations now. The United States has taken the lead and circulated a draft resolution on piracy.

This resolution will extend the authorities in Resolution 1816 that will allow states in cooperation with the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia to repress acts of piracy. It calls on the Secretary-General to look at a long-term solution to escorting the safe passage of World Food Programme ships. It welcomes the initiative of the European Union to launch an anti-piracy initiative; and the initiative of NATO to provide escorts for World Food Programme ships in the interim.

An important aspect of this resolution is to deal with the issue of jurisdiction and accountability. We are calling on states and urging them to join the SUA convention. The SUA Convention allows countries to establish jurisdiction for those who commit acts of piracy.

Quite a number of UN members already party to that convention. The Security Council has, in the past, also called for greater acceptance of this convention and we are hoping indeed that this resolution will extend the authorities we have now and give even more momentum to the fight against piracy.

Reporter: The German Defense Minister just said that there have been cases so far of pirates who were captured and then had to be released due to a lack (inaudible)?

Ambassador DiCarlo: That's precisely what the SUA convention is aiming at and why we are highlighting it in this resolution. Because there are already authorities existing in international law that would allow states to establish jurisdiction, and claim these acts as criminal offenses allowing for prosecution, and in some cases extradition.

Reporter: There are reports right now of the UK actually holding some pirates. And so I tried to ask Ambassador Sawers, he said he couldn't talk about it. Is this a legal holding? What's the authority currently for holding them?

Ambassador DiCarlo: I don't know. I don't know what that is in reference to. I refer you to Ambassador Sawers again.

Reporter: In reference to (inaudible) mechanism to coordinate with all these countries who are active off the coast of Somalia.

Ambassador DiCarlo: That issue was raised this morning when we were in [Security Council] the Chamber and I think that the French delegation made a point of this. And of course, this is a difficult point to do, a difficult issue to do. Obviously, there are, a number of countries now operating in these waters. Everyone is trying as best possible to deal with this issue.

Reporter: Does the U.S. plan send ships into these waters?

Ambassador DiCarlo: What we are doing now is we are working with the rest of the Security Council on this resolution to create mechanisms and authorities that are needed.

Reporter: (inaudible) going to back the legal authority with authority on the ground?

Ambassador DiCarlo: I think I've answered your question.

Reporter: Also, on Zimbabwe, what would the U.S. like to see at the current standoff between Tsvangirai and Mugabe?

Ambassador DiCarlo: Well, obviously, we really call for greater dialogue and a resolution to this issue. I think it's important that a number of countries, particularly the countries that are in SADC, put more pressure on the Mugabe government so that we can see a resolution of this stalemate.

Reporter: Two days ago, the White House in a statement asked the UN Security Council to act on Burma. Do you think the US is planning to bring this issue to the Security Council this month about events that happened last week?

Ambassador DiCarlo: First of all, the General Assembly is dealing with this issue now. Burma is an item on the Security Council agenda. We deal with Burma from time to time. I cannot tell you when the next time this issue will be raised. We've got quite a full schedule at this point, this week and just a few more days next week.

Reporter: In the Fifth Committee, there's a discussion that the U.S. has put forward a proposal to limit benefits of UN employees or harmonize contracts. What's the status on that? Is that something the U.S. is actively pushing or no?

Ambassador DiCarlo: I don't have anything for you on that. Sorry.