Safe Release
Somali pirates have released 25 of the crew members of Algerian bulk carrier “MV Blida”, hijacked on the high seas in January.
Algerian Foreign Affairs ministry’s spokesperson Amar Belani said in a statement, the bulk carrier, has been secured by international navy forces operating in the region under UN orders. He added the Algerian government has taken all necessary measures to guarantee the crew’s safety.
A senior official of the International Bulk Carriers (IBC) said Thursday that no ransom has been paid for the release of Algerian sailors.
“The position of Algeria in this regard is firm and unequivocal, ” said Nacereddine Mansouri, executive manager of the IBC, owner of Algerian bulk carrier “MV Blida”. He was quoted as saying that no ransom has been paid for the liberation of hostages.
