April 12th, 2009
03:27 PM ET
14 years ago

Obama: 'We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy'

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/art.captain.family.photo.jpg caption="President Obama issued a statement Sunday about the release of Captain Richard Phillips, who had been held for days by Somalia pirates."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama issued a statement Sunday about the release of Captain Richard Phillips.

"I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued," Obama said. "His safety has been our principal concern."

The president also said his administration wil continue to fight back against piracy. "We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy," the statement also said.

Related: Captain jumps overboard, Navy SEALs shoot pirates, official says

(Read Obama's full statement after the jump)


STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE RESCUE OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer. His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew.

I am also very proud of the efforts of the U.S. military and many other departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to secure Captain Phillips’s safe recovery.

We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region. To achieve that goal, we must continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks, be prepared to interdict acts of piracy and ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes.

I share the country’s admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans.


Filed under: Obama administration • piracy • President Obama
soundoff (34 Responses)
  1. Eric

    This is no Obama victory, because the coward took too F-cking long to make the call. Osambo was too busy flying pizza in from St. Louis to be bothered with this inconvenience. The only reason he responded was because the American People demanded it of him. Now Ba-lack is taking credit for the while operation, as if he were the second coming on this Easter Sunday.

    Lap it up liberal sheeple.

    April 12, 2009 04:28 pm at 4:28 pm |
  2. phoenix86

    Good thing the Captain didn't wait for Obama to make a decision.

    April 12, 2009 04:30 pm at 4:30 pm |
  3. Dan

    Thanks God for the French president who showed the way!!!

    April 12, 2009 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  4. E. J

    Congratulation to the US Navy the best in the world, I am so happy that the captain is free, I think now it is time that we make it clear to those skiny bastards, by showing them exactly what we're made of, by dropping a nuclear BOMB on them. It's time that we wipe this lawless land off the face of our planet.

    April 12, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  5. Fitz in Texas

    Now that the Navy took care of the problem Obama decides to say something, unlike the other day when a reporter asked the question(s) regarding this problem.

    Next thing that will be reported is if it were not for Obama's military skills Capt. Philips will still be a hostage.

    Obama gets NO credit for this one. Only the brave men on that ship, Capt. Philips, and our military!

    April 12, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  6. proud army navy mom

    My son, a petty officer in the US Navy said the everyone was cIelebrating. I am very happy for the family that the captain is ok.

    To the Navy and President Obama, I am incredible proud and thankful. Great job guys.

    April 12, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  7. kid minneapolis

    I bet this captain is another friend-of-the-left like capt Ches Sullenburger who introduced himself to Olbermann at the superbowl as a fan. Heros.

    April 12, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  8. Rufus

    Watch Obama try to take credit now !

    April 12, 2009 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  9. Bob

    Bravo Mr. "quicker response"! Your argument that President Obama's response "should have been quicker and with more force" was certainly telling. Perhaps we should ask your significant other if "quicker and with more force" is a technique that works well for her.

    April 12, 2009 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
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