ID :
38038
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 14:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/38038
The shortlink copeid
OWNERS OF VESSEL STILL IN TALKS WITH SOMALIAN PIRATES
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The owners of Masindra 7, a Port Kelang (Malaysia) registered vessel which was seized by pirates in Somalian waters on Dec 16, are still in talks with the captors over the release of the vessel and its 11 crew members.
National Security Council Secretary Muhamad Hatta Abdul Aziz said Tuesday
the government was not involved in the negotiations which were being done
by owners of the vessel.
"We are only advising the owners. We are not involved in the negotiations.
The owners will deal with the pirates directly. We only facilitate
negotiations," he told reporters after the launch of national broadcasting
station (RTM)'s Disaster Unit by Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek here.
Asked on the fate of the crew, Muhamad Hatta said he was not privy to
divulge the details as the negotiations were on-going.
Earlier reports suggested that the vessel was returning to Malaysia from
West Asia when the hijacking took place. The vessel did not have any cargo on
board.
-- BERNAMA
National Security Council Secretary Muhamad Hatta Abdul Aziz said Tuesday
the government was not involved in the negotiations which were being done
by owners of the vessel.
"We are only advising the owners. We are not involved in the negotiations.
The owners will deal with the pirates directly. We only facilitate
negotiations," he told reporters after the launch of national broadcasting
station (RTM)'s Disaster Unit by Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek here.
Asked on the fate of the crew, Muhamad Hatta said he was not privy to
divulge the details as the negotiations were on-going.
Earlier reports suggested that the vessel was returning to Malaysia from
West Asia when the hijacking took place. The vessel did not have any cargo on
board.
-- BERNAMA
