Germany is to help Seychelles with training in the judicial sector to strengthen its position as a regional centre for combating piracy.

An agreement was signed in New York last week for Germany, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to provide training at a cost of US $400,000.

The accord was signed on July 16 – in the presence of Seychelles’ permanent representative at the UN Ronny Jumeau – by Peter Wittig, Germany’s representative at the UN, and Erenina Monasebian, representative of the UNODC.

“The negative impact of piracy on international maritime traffic, international trade and international security requires all our joint efforts to tackle this challenge,” said Mr Wittig.

“Germany appreciates the efforts of the government of Seychelles to contribute to this international fight against piracy and is pleased to be able to help in strengthening the regional capacities through our cooperation with the UNODC.”

The signing took place at the German mission in New York, and both Germany and the UNODC praised Seychelles for taking a lead role in arresting, prosecuting and imprisoning pirates.

Mr Jumeau thanked Germany for the funding and for responding to Seychelles’ appeal for help from the international community.

He highlighted the importance of the Seychelles government's growing partnership with the UNODC in building infrastructure and capacity to prosecute and imprison pirates.

Mr Wittig and Ms Monasebian praised Seychelles for hosting the highly successful international symposium on maritime security recently, and for being at the forefront of the latest developments in regional collaboration.

Earlier this year, the German government pledged to fund a course for a Seychellois officer at the prestigious Fuehrungsakademie der Bundeswehr (military academy) in Hamburg, as well a training programme on renewable energy for three Seychellois.

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=20160