Egyptian fisherman released by Puntland - ministry

CAIRO, May 23 (Reuters) The authorities in the Puntland region of Somalia have released 68 Egyptian fishermen detained earlier this month for fishing in Somali waters without permission, the Egyptian foreign ministry said today.

The fishermen and their three boats left Somali waters yesterday evening after the Egyptian ambassador in Mogadishu arranged their release, the ministry said.

The ambassador was also able to negotiate a reduction in the fine imposed on the fishermen, it added.

Puntland, in the northeast of the Horn of Africa, remains part of Somalia but generally administers its own affairs through its own military and government institutions.

Reuters RJ GC1901