广播听力：UN Security Council steps up call to fight Somali pirates

The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the mandate for states to fight Somali pirates and urge the United Nations to play a coordinating role in the endeavor.

Resolution 1846 was the third such document that has been adopted by the 15-member body since June with an aim to fight the scourge of Somali piracy. (www.hxen.com)

Through the resolution, the council decided on Tuesday to extend for 12 months the mandate for states and regional organizations to fight piracy at sea off the coast of Somalia.

After the vote, China's Ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Yesui, said that China would like to cooperate with international community to solve the problem.

"China has also been suffered by Somali piracy. Till now one vessel and 16 crew members are still remaining in the hands of pirates. We hope the crew can be freed as soon as possible through our efforts and under the support of international community."

The council also requested UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to deliver to it a report within three months on ways for the United Nations to protect humanitarian vessels and to coordinate and assist states and regional groups in their fight against piracy.