ROME, May 30 (RIA Novosti) - The issue of piracy was central for Russia at a Rome meeting of G8 interior and justice ministers and officials, the Russian interior minister said Saturday.
"This issue has become the most important one for us. The organization of an effective response is important in this sphere," Rashid Nurgaliyev told journalists.
The meeting was held May 28-30. Russia was represented by Nurgaliyev, Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov and Prosecutor General Yury Chaika.
Around 20 warships from the navies of at least a dozen countries, including Russia, are involved in anti-piracy operations off Somalia. According to the United Nations, Somali pirates carried out at least 120 attacks on ships in 2008.
The UN has said that pirates have collected $150 million in ransom payments from ship owners.
Nurgaliyev also said the meeting touched on terrorism, organized crime, cybercrimes, child pornography and human trafficking.
"We finally feel that we are passing from statements to definite action," he said.
