AUSTRALIA RESPONDS TO COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 001232 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2018 TAGS: MOPS PBTS PHSA PTER AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA RESPONDS TO COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS REF: STATE 126055 Classified By: Political Counselor James F. Cole for reasons 1.4 (b) an d (d) ¶1. (C/NF) Australia cannot offer an immediate response to USG inquiries on counter-piracy efforts according to Jon Richardson, Director, Africa Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Richardson advised that contributions of Australian Defence assets is tied to pending decisions on the disposition of current assets in the Middle East (NOTE: This refers to outcomes from Iraq SOFA negotiations. End Note) He suggested that assistance has not been ruled out but that the GOA would not be able to provide a definitive response for at least a few weeks. Richardson further advised that the GOA's legal staff is reviewing issues associated with contributing to the detention and prosecution of pirates captured at sea and he hoped to have further information within a week. Post will advise as information becomes available. MCCALLUM