"Negotiations continue between the two parties, namely the ship`s owner and the pirates, but our priority is the safety of the hostages."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The safety of 20 Indonesian sailors held hostage by Somali pirates remains a top priority, Law and Security Minister Djoko Suyanto said here on Wednesday.
"Their safety is our priority through negotiations and the best possible option in setting free the crew of MV Sinar Kudus which was hijacked by Somali pirates," Djoko said, adding that communication with the owner of the ill-fated ship and the pirates continued to be intensified.
According to the security minister, communication had been increased while facilitating ways of setting free the Indonesian sailors from the hands of Somali pirates.
"Negotiations continue between the two parties, namely the ship`s owner and the pirates, but our priority is the safety of the hostages," Djoko said.
Asked if the government or the ship`s owner meets the demand of the pirates, Djoko said the best possible option was being sought.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said the government continued to communicate with the ship`s owner and make sure that the hostages would be released unharmed.
"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said that the government would take various options and let it work to ensure the release," Marty said.
(Uu.O001/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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