BARS clarifies<\/p>\n
I refer to Mark Valencia's opinion piece entitled Mercenaries
\nin the Strait of Malacca (The Jakarta Post, July 28). Valencia
\nquotes me in his piece using a comment lifted from an old article
\nprinted by another newspaper. He is based in Hawaii and has
\nneither endeavored to contact my firm nor sought any details of
\nthe type of services that Background Asia Risk Solutions
\nprovides.<\/p>\n
I am therefore surprised that he has insinuated that he has
\nspoken with me, let alone written an article that suggests we are
\nmercenaries. His piece shows a lack of understanding of both the
\nfundamental safety issues that are a day-to-day reality for the
\nseafarers that ply the Straits, and the international maritime
\nlaws that clearly govern our operations.<\/p>\n
The fact is that piracy in these waters has been a consistent
\nproblem over recent years. Valencia offers plenty of conjecture
\nbut suggests no solution to the problem. For crew and shipowners
\nalike there is no such thing as an acceptable level of risk, or
\nviolence -- they must be protected.<\/p>\n
Background Asia Risk Solutions (BARS) is not a firm of
\nmercenaries. BARS provides guarding services for maritime assets
\nin Asia and elsewhere. In each location that we work we ensure
\nthat our activities are in compliance with international and
\ndomestic laws and regulations at all times. Some of that work
\ninvolves the Malacca Straits, much of it does not.<\/p>\n
We have no offensive capability whatsoever. Our role is purely
\ndefensive. That role is spelt out in our contracts with our
\nclients, in the procedures we agree with the Masters of the
\nvessels, and in the representations we make to the governments
\nand sovereign police authorities that we are required to
\ncommunicate with.<\/p>\n
BARS has and continues to work closely with the authorities in
\nthe locations in which it operates. Each mission we conduct is
\nunique. We brief authorities on each mission, we listen carefully
\nto their concerns and we respect their laws and advice. Where it
\nis not possible for BARS to conduct a mission within the law we
\ndecline it.<\/p>\n
Valencia talks about the issue of sovereignty. Sovereignty is
\nvitally important in South East Asia. Without respect for
\nsovereignty and the rule of law there may be instability. BARS
\npays great attention to these issues and conducts its operations
\nin a way that respects the very real concerns of each state in
\nthe region, whilst also giving our clients the added piece of
\nmind in having highly trained and skilled security professionals
\nassisting their operations.<\/p>\n
ALEX DUPEROUZEL
\nManaging Director
\nBackground Asia Risk Solutions Pte Ltd
\nSingapore<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bars-clarifies-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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