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Polish foreign minister tight-lipped on whether pirates were paid ransom

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 09.12.2015 09:53
Poland's foreign minister Witold Waszczykowski has declined to reveal whether a ransom was paid for five recently freed Polish seamen who were kidnapped by pirates off the Nigerian coast.
Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski.  Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski. Polish Radio/W. Kusiński

One does not talk about such things, as human life is precious, and one does everything to ensure that lives are saved,” Minister Witold Waszczykowski told Polish Radio on Wednesday morning.

This time it worked out,” he added.

Five Polish seamen, including the captain, were taken hostage when cargo ship Szafir (Sapphire) was attacked by pirates in late November.

The remaining 11 members of the crew managed to lock themselves in the engine room, thus evading capture. The attackers then fled the scene with the hostages.

Prime Minister Beata Szydło said on Tuesday that she had spoken with the freed hostages.

Waszczykowski noted that negotiations with the pirates were held by Nigerian authorities together with representatives of the vessel's owner, who received support from Polish diplomatic and consular authorities. (nh/rk)

tags: Nigeria, pirates
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