The Kenyan government said Saturday it would not negotiate with ransom demanding Somali pirates that hijacked Ukrainian ship off the coast of the war-torn nation late Thursday carrying military equipment destined for the East African nation.
A statement from the Government Spokesman, Alfred Mutua said that the government "does not and will not negotiate with international criminals, pirates and terrorists and will endeavor to recover the hijacked ship and military cargo."
The Belize-flagged Faina vessel was carrying an authorized Ukrainian government arms shipment for the Kenyan government including T-72 tanks, an extra number of armoured personnel carriers to be used by the military in the country.
The pirates who have stepped up their activity along the dangerous waters of the Horn of Africa nation have vowed not to release the ship until a 35 million U.S. dollar ransom was paid
"The Kenyan government has not received any ransom demand from anyone, pertaining to the hijacked ship and is not aware of any credible demand being made to anyone," the statement said.
"The Kenyan government does not and will not negotiate with international criminals, pirates and terrorists and will endevour to recover the hijacked ship and military cargo."
Mutua said the government was in contact with International Maritime Agencies and other security partners in an endeavour to secure the ship and cargo.
He also noted that efforts to recover the Kenya military cargo and the hijacked ship MV Faina are going on well.
"The Kenyan government, together with its security partners, has established that the ship has not yet docked at any port and is still at sea," the statement said.
"However, it should be noted that because the ship had not yet docked at Mombassa, the responsibility of the insured cargo rests with the shipper," said Mutua in a statement.
United States warships in the Indian Ocean were closely tracking the ship, and a Russian frigate, the Dauntless, was on its way.
Diplomats in Kenya said Saturday that military operations involving several countries were being discussed but that the plan was to wait a few days before considering a strike.
The hijacked ship's crew is mostly Ukrainian, and already worried family members have contacted the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry asking what they can do.
Andrew Mwangura, program coordinator for the Seafarers' Assistance Program in Kenya told Xinhua that the pirates had demanded 35 million dollars through intermediaries and that they were trying to contact the ship's owners.
The pirates have warned against any attempt to rescue the vessel's crew or cargo. One of the pirates reportedly said they would speak to Kenyan authorities about a ransom for the ship.
Pirates have seized dozens of ships near Somalia's coast in recent months. A Russian Navy vessel is heading to the region and the U.S. says it is monitoring developments in the area.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article