  Six Russian sailors kidnapped off Nigerian coast October 17, 2012 - 21:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Six Russian sailors were kidnapped off the Nigerian coast, a French oil and gas services company said on Wednesday, Oct 17, according to RIA Novosti. An Estonian national was also kidnapped, Paris-based Bourbon SA said, when gunmen attacked a company ship in Nigeria’s southern Niger Delta on Monday. The remaining nine sailors onboard the vessel sailed away safely, the company said. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the kidnapping and said it was doing all it could to secure the sailors’ early release. “The pirates who took the senior crew members hostage, six Russians and one Estonian, evidently for ransom have escaped,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Nigeria are in close contact with the ship’s owner and Nigerian authorities taking all the necessary measures to secure the sailors’ immediate release and ensure their complete safety.”   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
