Abu Dhabi(WAM),19th April 2004
By Banadir.com

Abdul Rahman Adam Ibrahim, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources in the Transitional Government of Somalia has lauded the support provided by President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to his country over the last few years.

The UAE under the leadership of H.H. President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has done a lot to the Somali people since the collapse of the Central government in 1991. Without the support that President Sheikh Zayed and Vice President Sheikh Maktoum and their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates rendered to the Somalia people, Somalia would not have been what it is today, said the Minister at a press conference here yesterday.

The Minister said his country was looking forward to a UAE help to curb illegal fishing on Somali territorial waters. Illegal fishing on Somalia's Economic Exclusive Zone, EEZ, is causing a great damage worth millions of dollars to the country's economy. There are currently an estimated 700-746 illegal fishing vessels on our waters.

Minister Ibrahim also warned insurance companies that have extended insurance coverage to illegal shipping vessels in Somalia that they would suffer heavy losses soon. "We have now signed an agreement with a marine protection British company which will provide us with 12 speed boats and two ships. This will enable us to chase the illegal boats effectively. Vessels which will continue to operate illegally will do so on their own risk" he warned.

He revealed that the absence of the central authority in certain parts of Somalia have allowed some warlords to allow the dumping of Industrial waste along the coast of Somalia. "As a direct result of lack of monitoring and surveillance system, organized international gangs took advantage to dump hazardous waste, he added. WAM/MA 19 39 CCCCQQE.