Nairobi (Kenya): A spokesman for Somali pirates holding an arms-laden Ukrainian tanker off Somalia says his group is considering extending the deadline on its threat to destroy the vessel.
Sugule Ali says the pirates may extend the deadline following requests from the ship's owner and other unidentified people. The pirates have said they will destroy the MV Faina tonight or early tomorrow unless a ransom is paid. The ship is carrying 33 tanks and other heavy weapons.
Ali spoke to The Associated Press today in an interview by satellite telephone from the ship. Ali says his group is reviewing the deadline to see whether the pirates will "modify it and if that is not possible, to execute it."
