ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
35 The seminar and workshop considered draft resolutions on:
.1 prevention and suppression of piracy and armed robbery against ships (resolution 1);
.2 appropriate and uniform punishment for the crime of piracy and armed robbery against ships (resolution 2); and
.3 expressions of appreciation (resolution 3),
and adopted them unanimously (see annex 6).
REPORT OF THE SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP
36 The seminar and workshop adopted this report and requested the Secretariat to bring it to the attention of all South American and Wider Caribbean countries and to the Maritime Safety Committee of IMO and its subsidiary bodies concerned.
CLOSING CEREMONY
37 Following the award of certificates of attendance to participants, observers and lecturers, Mr. E.E. Mitropoulos, Director, Maritime Safety Division, IMO, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, expressed appreciation to:
- the Government of Brazil for hosting the seminar and workshop;
- the Governments and international organizations which had contributed financially to the budget of the seminar and workshop;
- the UNDP Resident Representatives in the participants' countries for facilitating their travel to Brazil; and
- the lecturers and IMO staff for their contribution to the success of the Conference.
38 General G. Serra, President of CONPORTOS, spoke of the importance of the meeting which had provided not only a forum to discuss the problem of piracy and armed robbery against ships with representatives of countries in the region and foreign experts on the matter, but also an opportunity for them to jointly seek solutions. He reiterated the concern of his Government at the unlawful acts committed in its waters and its determination to prevent and suppress such acts, particularly in light of the huge investment it was making to improve the county's port infrastructure. He concluded by emphasizing the need for such contacts in future.
39 The seminar and workshop was closed, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by Ms. Maria Rita Silva Fontes Faria. She thanked IMO for conducting the meeting in Brazil and said that the issues discussed were of great importance to her country. She noted with satisfaction that the seminar and workshop had been successful and expressed appreciation to the lecturers and participants for their contributions.
