Four Asian countries sign anti-piracy pact

Four Asian countries sign anti-piracy pact    Four Asian countries have signed an agreement to work together to stop piracy and armed robbery against merchant ships in the region. Singapore, Japan, Laos and Cambodia are the first countries to join the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The agreement, which was concluded in Tokyo in November 2004, has been open to signatories since February. It enters into force 90 days after the 10th country signs on. A key aspect of ReCAAP is the Information Sharing Center, which will be located in Singapore. The center will facilitate communication and information exchanges between the member countries, as well as improve the quality of statistics and reports on piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region, the Singapore government said in an April 28 press statement. The center will be run by an executive director with a staff of 10 to 12 employees from ReCAAP member countries.