Somalia OKs use of force
2008-10-01 16:26
Mohamed Olad Hassan
Mogadishu - An official at Somalia's foreign ministry says foreign powers may use force to free a hijacked ship carrying tanks and other heavy weapons.
Mohamed Jama Ali, the ministry's acting permanent director, said his government has granted permission on the condition that foreign powers co-ordinate with Somalia beforehand.
"The international community has permission to fight with the pirates," Ali told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
"Permission to use force was given."
The hijacking of the Ukrainian ship MV Faina - carrying 33 Soviet-made T-72 tanks, rifles, and heavy weapons that US defence officials have said included rocket launchers - was the highest-profile act of piracy in the dangerous waters off Somalia this year.
- SAPA