Negotiations with Somali pirates continue
Sunday, 23 Nov 2008 09:06
Negotiations with Somali pirates on board oil tanker continue
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Global authorities are continuing their negotiations with the pirates who are currently holding an oil tanker and its crew hostage in the Indian Ocean.
The Sirius Star tanker, which is estimated to be carrying $100 million of crude oil on board, is currently under the control of the pirate group and anchored off the coast of Haradhere, 300 kilometres north of the lawless capital Mogadishu.
And reports earlier this week suggested the group are holding out for a ransom of $25 million to release the vessel, its cargo and the 25-strong crew.
Yesterday, the pirates warned there could be "disastrous consequences" if a military attack is ordered.
Abdiyare Moalim, a member of the group, warned against any assault on the tanker in a bid to wrest control away from the lawless faction.
"I hope the owner of the tanker is wise enough and won't allow any military option because that would be disastrous for everybody," he told the AFP news agency.
"We are here to defend the tanker if attacked."
Local reports suggest the group has recently been reinforced with around ten additional individuals, who were heavily armed and carrying supplies.
The stand-off between the pirates, the
Somalian government and the ship's owners, Vela International Marine, has now lasted for eight days with the hijackers demanding a ransom be paid by the middle of next week.