Russia will deploy more warships off the East African coast to combat pirate attacks on merchant vessels and ensure security of shipping lanes, the Naval Chief announced on Thursday. Russia already has its missile frigate 'Neustrashimy' (Intrepid) deployed in the area, which had last week prevented several hijack attempts by the Somali pirates, acting in coordination with the UK naval ship HMS Cumberland. "This is needed on account of the current developments off the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden, where Somali pirates have intensified their activity," Russian naval Chief Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky was quoted as saying by Vesti news channel. Russia had deployed its 'Neustrashimy' missile frigate of the Baltic Fleet to Somalia's coast to protect Russian vessels in the country's waters. "After Neustrashimy, Russia will be sending warships from other fleets to this region," Admiral Vysotsky said. The Russian Naval Chief made this announcement a day after the Somalian government's ambassador to Moscow said it would like to see more Russian warships helping the country fight piracy off its coast. "The Russian warship (Neustrashimy) entered Somali territorial waters with prior consent of the country's government. We would like to see not only the Neustrashimy, but also other warships," Mohamed Handule said in an interview to Vesti channel. "The presence of the Russian Navy as a strategic partner is beneficial for us. We also understand Russia's ambitions - to re-establish its strategic positions in the world," he said. Saudi Arabia to join international force against piracy Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal has said in Rome that his government will not negotiate with terrorists and that Riyadh will join international forces to crack down on growing piracy threats off the Somali coasts. "Saudi Arabia does not negotiate with pirates or terrorists or kidnappers, but the negotiating decision over the hijacked Saudi oil tanker is within jurisdiction of the owner company," Prince Saud told a news conference with his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini on Wednesday. Pirates hijacked several days ago Saudi super oil tanker ‘Sirius Star’ about 800 kilometers off the Kenyan coast and anchored at the present somewhere on the Somali coast. The 'Sirius Star' is reportedly loaded with USD 100 million worth of two million barrels of oil. Prince Saud said he knew that the owners of the tanker are negotiating and this is up to them. "What we know is that we will join an international intervention force against the pirates, and Saudi Arabia will contribute to all efforts to countering this danger," he added.
