The following views were expressed:
• Piracy continued to be an important international
problem and there should be general support for
IMO action in this regard;
• The International Maritime Organization should be
involved in the work carried out within the framework
of the Legal Forum;
• In the light of escalating acts of piracy off the coast
of West Africa, military presence in the region
continues to be justified;
• The International Maritime Organization is the proper
forum to address the needs of the shipping industry
in respect of guidance and recommendations on
the issue of armed guards on board ships.99