Fiji, Tuvalu cooperate on hostages release

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is now liaising with our High Commission in England and the authorities in Tuvalu on the Fiji citizen being held hostage by Somali pirates for over two months onboard the German cargo vessel the Hansa Stravanger.

31 year old Wayne Suliana from Suva left onboard, the Hansa Stravanger from Tuvalu and the vessel with 12 other Tuvaluan crew members and 24 foreign nationals, was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 5th.

Permanent Secretary Peceli Vocea said they are in the process of trying to get more information on the hostage situation with relevant authorities and are also liaising with the Tuvalu government.

The Tuvalu government also continues to seek support from other Pacific island nations to put pressure on the Somali government to release the hostages.

Transport Minister Taukelina Finakaso told a recent Pacific Maritime Ministers meeting in Tonga that the pirates are demanding $US15 million in ransom, which is beyond the resources of the Tuvalu government.

Wayne Suliana's mother Va Mausio told Fijivillage that all they can do is hope and pray her son returns home safely.