10 September 2009

Statement on Signing of Agreement on Best Ways to Stop Pirates

“New York Declaration” cites importance of self-protection measures

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U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
September 9, 2009

The United States Signs "New York Declaration"

On the eve of the Fourth Plenary Session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia to be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 10, 2009, representatives from the United States, Japan, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Singapore, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland signed the New York Declaration, a commitment to best management practices to avoid, deter or delay acts of piracy.

NEW YORK DECLARATION

Commitment to Best Management Practices to Avoid, Deter or Delay Acts of Piracy

Introduction

The undersigned countries recognize the increasing problem of acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels and seafarers on innocent passage. All acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels and seafarers are condemned. The undersigned countries note with particular concern the acts of piracy and hijackings off Somalia and East Africa.

The significant efforts of the international community in trying to stop the acts of piracy and hijackings off the coast of Somalia and East Africa are fully recognized. The undersigned countries note with gratitude the international Naval operations taking place off the coast of Somalia and East Africa to prevent acts of piracy and hijackings.

The undersigned countries acknowledge that all vessels, including those on their registers, have an important role in taking self protection measures to reduce the risk of acts of piracy.

Internationally Recognized Best Management Practices to Avoid, Deter or Delay acts of Piracy

The undersigned countries fully recognize that self protection measures taken by vessels can be highly effective in avoiding, deterring or delaying piracy attacks. The undersigned countries are committed to promulgating internationally recognized best management practices for self protection to vessels on their registers.

International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

The undersigned countries recognize that self protection measures taken by vessels to avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks are an essential part of compliance with the ISPS Code. The undersigned countries will ensure when carrying out their obligations under the ISPS Code that vessels on their registry have adopted and documented appropriate self protection measures in their Ship Security Plans as part of ISPS Code compliance.

Signed on September 9, 2009:

Republic of Cyprus                   Japan
Republic of Singapore                United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United States of America

Signed originally on May 29, 2009 by:
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas      Republic of Liberia
Republic of the Marshall Islands     Republic of Panama

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