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ETB, the Basque television channel, were able to talk with the spokesman of the Somali pirates holding Basque tuna boat Alakrana. After the conversation, the man confirmed that the negotiations "are going well" and that the hijacking could end in "seven or ten days."

In the interview with ETB, the pirates also confirmed that the crew is in good condition. "They are all well. We let them sleep, eat and rest," said one of the captors by telephone.

Furthermore, the pirates say the only reason for the hijacking was economic. "Money, money," they said when asked about the conditions for freeing the 36 sailors aboard the Basque vessel from Bermeo. Nevertheless, they also pointed out that despite the fact that they were "looking for money," they are now "waiting for news" on their colleagues.

In other talks, Spanish defence minister, Carme Chacón, said the government has "no information" about the possible ransom of $4 million (about 2.7 million euros) demanded by the pirates.

Retaliation

Hijackers of the Alakrana have been threatening the crew, even with murder, in case the Spanish army or naval forces of the European Union try to rescue the trawler, which at this stage has been held for 13 days.

The alleged spokesman of the pirates has stressed that they will not let the ship leave until the two pirates arrested under orders from judge Baltasar Garzón are released.