US calls for intensified efforts to combat piracy and warns against paying ransom

US warns against paying ransom to pirates

UNITED NATIONS — The United States is calling for intensified efforts to combat piracy and warning against paying ransom.

U.S. deputy ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo expressed concern that ransom payments have contributed to the recent increase in piracy.

She said the United States is encouraging all countries to adopt a policy of “no concessions” when dealing with pirates.

DiCarlo spoke at an open meeting of the U.N. Security Council Wednesday on the fight against piracy.

The long scheduled meeting coincided with Wednesday’s second attack by Somali pirates in seven months against the U.S.-flagged ship the Maersk Alabama, which was thwarted by private guards onboard, and payment of a $3.3 million ransom to Somali pirates on Tuesday to free a Spanish trawler and its 36 crew members.