Piracy drama

The Spanish government may expel two suspected pirates to Somalia and is negotiating with authorities there, Spanish media reported on Tuesday.

"The government is working intensively to reach a deal with the transitional government in Somalia to provide legal coverage for the two pirates held in Spain," the daily El Pais said, quoting government sources.

The two men are being held in Madrid for their alleged role in the hijacking of a Spanish tuna trawler, the Alakrana, and its 36 crew members. The two were caught by a Spanish frigate, taking part in an international anti-piracy effort, after leaving the trawler on October 4, two days after the seizure.

However, the Alakrana is still under the control of pirates who have threatened to kill all fishermen on board if their two accomplices, known as Abdou Willy and Raagegeesey, are not released and returned to Somalia. They are also demanding a ransom payment of 2.6 million euros ($four million).

Family members of the crew have urged the government to negotiate with the pirates. A lawyer representing one of the detainees said transferring them to Somalia was a way to swiftly resolve the crisis.

The ABC newspaper said Spain, which had initially refused to expel the suspects, wanted Somali authorities to guarantee that the two would be put on trial.

Meanwhile, Third Deputy Prime Minister Manuel Chaves said the government was doing "all it can within a state of law" to free the hostages.

The 36 crew members on the Alakrana - who include 16 Spaniards, as well as Africans and Asians - have been held captive off the Somali coast for 40 days. Several members have told Spanish media they are suffering from abuse and a lack of food and water.

National court judge Baltasar Garzon said there are "legal channels" available to resolve the conflict without "giving in to pressure" from the pirates.

vj/AFP/dpa

Editor: Susan Houlton