Agencia EFE
Monday, December 23, 2013
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy praised efforts to fight piracy
off Somalia during a visit Sunday to this country in the Horn of Africa."Spain
has a lot to do with the international community's success against
piracy in the Indian (Ocean)" off the coast of Somalia, but "the threat
remains present" and "we cannot let our guard down," the prime minister
said.
Rajoy, accompanied by Defense Minister Pedro Morenes and
Joint Chiefs of Staff head Adm. Fernando Garcia Sanchez, is making his
first visit to the Spanish unit in the Horn of Africa.
The
383-person Spanish unit is assigned to the European Union's "Operation
Atalanta" and the NATO Maritime Command's "Operation Ocean Shield."
Rajoy
extended Christmas and New Year's greetings to the crew of the Spanish
navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan, which is in command of the NATO operation.
The
prime minister also conveyed holiday greetings and thanks from King
Juan Carlos, the Spanish government and the Spanish people.
"The
international community is winning the battle for maritime security and
fishing activities," Rajoy said, adding that nations cannot "let down
their guard" in the face of a threat "that has not disappeared and
remains present. We cannot be complacent."
The prime minister said
he was "proud" of the mission's "success" because it "reflects the
dedication, work, commitment and efforts of military personnel."