The German parliament decided to extend the anti-piracy mission off the east African coast by one year.

Germany currently has one frigate, the "Bremen", and 240 sailors involved in the 12-month-old European Union mission.

The number of personnel deployed can be increased to 1400 but parliament agreed not to boost the maximum deployment figure beyond that.

The majority of MPs voted in favor of the extension, however, the left-wing The Left party and several members of the Greens were against the measure.

Christine Buchholz from The Left party said the mission was a continuation of "colonial gunboat policies" and said the government was using humanitarian grounds as a pretense for the "militarization of German foreign policy."

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle rejected the accusation and said that civilian and military engagements had to go hand in hand.

"We focus on both," he said.

Westerwelle also said the deployment of European forces in the region was currently the only option to protect international shipping routes from pirates attacks.

In addition to attempting to provide safe passage for ships, the mission protects the delivery of provisions for Somalia's needy population.

ca/dpa/AP/AFP/Reuters

Editor: Neil King