Pirates guarding an arms-laden Ukrainian ship said Sunday that it would be released within days, but the fate of a Saudi oil carrier was unclear hours from a 25-million-dollar ransom demand's expiry.
Sugule Ali, spokesman for the pirates who hijacked the MV Faina in September with its cargo of battle tanks and weapons, said it was "a matter of technicality and time" before the vessel was freed.
"I can't tell you what the ransom is, but what can I say is that agreement has finally been reached," Ali told AFP from the ship.
"Within four days, we must leave and we are preparing for the safe landing of our members," he said. "We have no doubt this problem will be resolved and I hope the owners will honour the last remaining points."
The MV Faina was hijacked on September 25 on its way to Kenya, ferrying 33 Soviet-type battle tanks, anti-air systems, rocket launchers and ammunition. The ship has a crew of 17 Ukrainians, three Russians and one Latvian.
"Our members are very tired and the crew are also very tired. We all want this matter to be resolved.