EU and Seychelles sign anti-piracy agreement

By George Thande

VICTORIA (Reuters) - The Seychelles and the European Union signed an agreement on Tuesday that would allow the deployment of EU troops on the Indian Ocean islands to counter a maritime crime wave by Somali pirates.

Attacks on merchant vessels and private yachts off the archipelago have surged in recent weeks as Somali gangs extend their range beyond the lawless Horn of Africa nation's shores.

"The deterrent effect of capturing pirates and bringing them to justice is crucial if we are to bring this problem under control," British High Commissioner Matthew Forbes, who signed the agreement on behalf of the EU, told a news conference.

The troops would be deployed to some of the Seychelles' numerous islets and creeks, which experts fear could be used be pirates to plot attacks. It was not clear which nations would provide the forces.

Heavily armed pirates from Somalia are currently holding at least 11 vessels and more than 200 crew hostage, including a British couple whose yacht was hijacked off the Seychelles.

The presence of a multinational naval force patrolling the strategic shipping lanes through the Gulf of Aden, which links Europe to Asia, has failed to curb their attacks.

Belgian Defence Minister Pieter de Crem, who was visiting the Seychelles for talks on Tuesday, called for the EU's anti-piracy mission, Atalanta, to be extended beyond December 2010. Belgium takes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1 next year.

The status of forces agreement with the EU follows similar separate deals with the United States and France.