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On Wednesday, the US called for intensified efforts to combat piracy and warned against paying ransom to free ships and crew members. U.S. deputy ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo expressed concern that ransom payments have contributed to the recent increase in piracy. Deputy DiCarlo spoke at an open meeting of the U.N. Security Council Wednesday on the fight against piracy. and said that the US is encouraging all countries to adopt a policy of "no concessions" when dealing with "hostage-takers, including pirates." The previously scheduled meeting coincided with Wednesday's second attack by Somali pirates in seven months against the U.S.-flagged ship the Maersk Alabama, which was thwarted by private guards onboard. On Tuesday a payment was made of of a 3.3 million dollar ransom to Somali pirates to free a Spanish trawler and its 36 crew members. visit ebrunews.com for more info and news!