Algérie Presse Service (APS) – November 4, 2011

“Algeria does not pay ransoms and firmly condemns that practice, be it by States or public or private organizations,” the spokesman for the ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Amar Belani, reiterated in a statement issued today in Algiers.

“Algeria has a doctrinal position, which it reaffirmed on numerous occasions and in the most solemn manner: Algeria does not pay ransoms and it firmly condemns that practice, be it that it is made by States or public or private organizations,” said Mr. Belani, in reaction to “reference made by online news outlets regarding payment of a ransom in relation with the release of the MV Blida ship crew members,” which was the target of high-seas piracy act last January.

“Furthermore, following the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1904, we have been tirelessly sustaining our efforts with our partners within the United Nations to criminalize effectively the payment of ransoms, which constitutes one of the main sources of financing of terrorism and organized crime,” Mr. Belani added.

“No ransom was paid to the pirates for the release of the Algerian sailors. The position of Algeria in that regard is firm and unequivocal and we apply it,” declared Mr. Nacreddine Mansouri, Director General of International Bulk Carriers (IBC), owner of the ship MV Blida.

The 25 crew members of the ship MV Blida, which was the target of a high-seas piracy act last January, were released yesterday. Sailing under Algerian flag, the ship was attacked as it headed toward the port of Mombasa, Kenya.

The ship had a crew of 27, including 17 Algerians. Two sailors, one Algerian and one Ukrainian, were released on October 12.