U.N. calls for end to violence and piracy

UNITED NATIONS, June 3 (UPI) -- The United Nations is calling for increased security after a surge in piracy off the coast of Somalia has threatened the delivery of relief supplies.

The U.N. Security Council Monday unanimously passed a resolution calling on countries in the region to increase maritime security after dozens of U.N. World Food Program ships carrying humanitarian aid were threatened by attacks and hijackings.

According to the resolution, the Security Council is "gravely concerned by the threat that acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels pose to the prompt, safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Somalia, the safety of commercial maritime routes and to international navigation," the release said.

The resolution calls on countries in the region with any military capabilities in a maritime environment to increase efforts to secure the coastal waters.