Somali pirates take 21 Filipino sailors hostageFebruary 10, 2012 - 15:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Twenty-one Filipino sailors on board a ship off the coast of Yemen have been taken hostage by Somali pirates, Australia Network News reported. Philippines officials are working with authorities in Bahrain to help resolve the latest abduction by Somali pirates. The Filipino sailors were aboard the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, MV Free Goddess, when Somali pirates boarded the vessel near Yemen's Socotra islands. The captors are yet to make a ransom demand. There are reportedly almost 50 Filipino sailors on board four vessels currently held by Somali pirates. The Philippines has campaigned globally for maritime safety, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, as Filipinos make up an estimated one-third of sailors around the world. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |