(Editor's note: U.S. Africa Command currently is not leading the U.S. military's role in counter-piracy off the Somali coast. This information is provided to help increase awareness of overall U.S. foreign policy in the region.) The following is a press statement released by the Department of State on January 12, 2009: The Contact Group on Somali Piracy (CGSP) will hold its inaugural meeting at the United Nations Headquarters Building in New York City on January 14, 2009. This meeting is pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1851 adopted unanimously on December 16, 2008. A total of 24 countries and five multilateral organizations are planning to participate in the inaugural meeting which will be chaired by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Mark T. Kimmitt. The CGSP will focus on coordinating activities between states and organizations to suppress piracy off the coast of Somalia. It is anticipated that discussions will address: Improving operational and intelligence support to counter-piracy operations, Establishing a counter-piracy coordination mechanism, Strengthening judicial frameworks for the arrest, prosecution and detention of pirates, Strengthening commercial shipping self-awareness and other capabilities, Pursuing improving diplomatic and public information efforts, and Disrupting pirate financial operations. The CGSP will issue a statement at the conclusion of the discussions. There will be a press availability following the meeting. Media wishing to cover the event should ensure they have proper UN credentials.