Nigerian pirates are demanding a ransom of more than $1 million in exchange for the release of eight hostages held in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Milano 1 cargo ship was hijacked last Thursday morning. Ten crew members were on board.
The vessel, registered in St Kitts but operated by a Lebanese firm, had been contracted by a Nigerian company to transport glass between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The ship was soon released, but only two crew members were freed. Three Lebanese, one of them the ship’s captain, and two Egyptians are among the eight hostages left.
Hijackers initially demanded a sum of 800 million Naira – more than $2m – but have since been negotiated down to 500 million naira, approximately $1.3 million.
Lebanon's Ambassador to Nigeria, Houssam Diab told The National that the hostage takers were now in direct contact and negotiating with the businessman who had hired the ship.
“This was not a kidnapping with the intention to kill, it was with the intention of getting a ransom."
He added that “authorities are unsure if they are still being held at sea or ashore”.
Ahmad Al Kut, the ship's Lebanese owner, told Al Watan newspaper that he had received a number of untraceable calls from the pirates to open negotiations.
He claimed to have offered to sell the ship to meet the ransom demand.
“Let the Lebanese state buy my ship and pay the ransom for the three Lebanese sailors, and I do not want a penny, nor do I want to recover my ship,” he said.
A group known as the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers are believed to be behind the act of piracy.
The National understands that the hostages are in good health and were able to speak directly with the company owner in recent days.
Kidnapping in Nigeria is a growing phenomenon, with most incidents being resolved following the payment of a ransom. Last week, three Greek sailors were taken hostage from a ship in the same area. More than 126 people have been kidnapped in 26 incidents in the Gulf of Guinea this year.
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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19 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 5 (2011, 14, 15, 18, 19)
French Open: 2 (2016, 21)
US Open: 3 (2011, 15, 18)
Australian Open: 9 (2008, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21)
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20 grand slam singles titles
Wimbledon: 8 (2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 12, 17)
French Open: 1 (2009)
US Open: 5 (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Australian Open: 6 (2004, 06, 07, 10, 17, 18)
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Wimbledon: 2 (2008, 10)
French Open: 13 (2005, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20)
US Open: 4 (2010, 13, 17, 19)
Australian Open: 1 (2009)
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