Somali gov't says foreign warships in territorial waters "welcome"

MOGADISHU, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Somali transitional government said on Sunday it welcomes the foreign warships guarding the war-torn Horn of Africa country's pirate-infested coast where a number of ships and their crew are being held hostage by Somali pirates who demand ransom for their release. more..http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/20/content_10220687.htm

Relatives raise money for seized Ukrainian ship

Relatives and families of the hijacked Ukrainian ship have raised money to pay Somali pirates who are demanding eight million U.S. dollars to release the crew who were seized last month, a regional maritime official said on Sunday. Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers' Assistance Program said the relatives and friends in Russian and Ukraine have raised eight million dollar ransom which is expected to be handed over to the pirates sometimes this week. more..http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6517678.html