TALKS TO FREE SAILORS STILL ON

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Talks are still ongoing to free 11
sailors
of the Masindra 7 vessel seized by pirates in Somalian waters on Dec 16, said
National Security Council (NSC) secretary, Muhamad Hatta Abd Aziz.

He said the NSC which is an "observer" in the matter is getting all
information on the talks being carried between the boat's owner, Masindra
Shipping Sdn Bhd, and the pirates.

"It is understood the owner contacts the pirates everyday for negotiations
and will inform us," Muhamad said when contacted Monday.

Earlier reports said pirates in Somalian waters seized a Malaysian tug-boat
and a Turkish cargo ship on Dec 16.

It is understood that the 11-man Indonesian cres were returning to Malaysia
from West Asia while the Turkish vessel was heading to Europe.

There was no cargo on board the Masindra 7.

Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim had earlier said all the crew were
safe and healthy and had supplies for a month.

-- BERNAMA