Burney says in touch with pirates who hijacked MV Suez

Islamabad, Feb 27 (PTI) Leading human rights activistAnsar Burney today said he had established contact with Somalipirates who hijacked the cargo vessel MV Suez with a 24-membercrew, including four Pakistanis and six Indians, and wasworking for their release.

"I am working hard for the safe recovery and releaseof the crew members who were kidnapped by Somali pirates andhave been detained in critical circumstances for over sixmonths," Burney said.

He said he was able to establish contact on phone withthe pirates who hijacked the ship in the Gulf of Aden lastnight.

The ship''s crew includes four Pakistanis, six Indians,four Sri Lankans and 11 Egyptians and the vessel is currentlyin Somalia, he said.

The pirates had initially warned that they would shootthe crew if they were not paid a ransom of USD 200 million.

"I am negotiating with the pirates to save theprecious lives," Burney said.

The Panama-flagged vessel was captured by the pirateson August 2 last year.