- The government of South Korea is considering to bolster the fight against pirates in Somalian waters, foreign minister Yu Myung-hwan said.
During an inspection of foreign ministry by lawmakers, the minister said consultations among related ministers have been taking place on the dispatching of a destroyer to Somalian waters.
Last month, a South Korean ship carrying eight South Koreans and 13 Mynmar citizens were held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
Foreign minister assured that negotiations for rescue of the abductees have advanced and that his government was upbeat that the case would soon be resolved.
Local media reports said the South Korean government would likely dispatch the Yi Sun-shin class destroyer to Somalian waters. The navy ship's dispatch is now awaiting approval from the national assembly.
In a separate development, South Korean president said it was about time that his country's navy "play a greater role in the fight against terrorism and piracy."
President Lee Myung-bak, who made the remarks at an international fleet review in the southeastern port city of Busan, said in compliance with the country's enhanced international status, the South Korean navy should "reinforce its role in international efforts to remove common threats to the world."
He expressed the government's resolve to extend full support to beef up the country's military. His comments came after he had brainstormed with navy generals and political leaders on how to eradicate Somali pirates.
Attacks on South Korean crew off the coast of Somalia had been common since 2006.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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