Industry cooperation sought for pirate trials

Industry cooperation sought for pirate trials    Commercial vessel owners can help combat piracy by following best security practices, foregoing the payment of ransoms and helping governments prosecute pirates, Andrew J. Shapiro, assistant secretary for political-military affairs at the U.S. State Department said Thursday.
   In a speech before the International Propeller Club in Athens, Shapiro urged shipping companies to make available crewmembers who can provide testimony at trials of alleged pirates. He also asked them to provide law enforcement authorities access to their vessels, manifests and other records that can contribute to the successful prosecution of pirates.
   'It is important that commercial shipping companies whose ships and crews have been attacked by pirates support the prosecution of their attackers,' he told an audience of Greek ship owners and other maritime interests.
   Shapiro also encouraged the maritime industry to contribute to a new United Nations trust fund to help countries defray the cost of prosecuting pirates. Donors will be able to designate donations to a specific case or project, he added.