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United Nations: The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution that allows foreign warships to chase pirates into Somali waters, diplomats said on Monday.
The resolution is aimed at combating the surge in ship hijackings for ransom off the coast of Somalia. More than 20 pirate attacks were reported in 2008.
UN members are urged to use "all necessary means to repress acts of piracy" and authorises warships to chase pirates into Somali waters if necessary.
Somalia has said it would welcome international help in battling pirates.
"This allows and calls on the member states to assist the authorities in Somalia to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia," said Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to the UN.
Monday's resolution also encourages UN member states to provide technical assistance to the Somali government and cooperate in the prosecution of captured pirates.
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