Ankara - The Turkish navy is preparing a naval frigate to join an international force to help combat piracy off the coast of Somalia, a military spokesman said on Friday.

General Metin Durak told reporters that the vessel would be ready to embark within a month.

The Turkish government has presented parliament with a memorandum to allow Turkish ships to take part in the international operation.

The parliament is expected to vote soon on the matter.

More than a dozen ships with links to Turkey have been hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast during the recent spate of piracy. Last month two Turkish ships and their crew that were hijacked last were released by pirates after ransom demands were paid. (dpa)