Gadhafi defends Somali pirates, blames bad fishing

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has defended Somali pirates, saying they have been forced into piracy by the depletion of fish in their seas by wealthy nations.
Gadhafi, who heads the African Union, says he is working on an agreement under which the world would stop the depletion and the Somalis would end this "so-called piracy."

He was speaking Wednesday in Rome during his first visit to Italy.

He said it was important to look at the reasons behind piracy. He said Somalis "were forced, according to what they say, because their maritime zone is violated and their fishing resources depleted."

Gadhafi said the Somalis were also trying to call the world's attention to their plight.

Piracy has exploded in recent years around the Gulf of Aden.

Source: AP