http://observers.france24.com/en/category/tags/somalia The taxonomy view with a depth of 0. en http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080409-ponant-pirates-ransom-France-Somalia <p align="right"> <span style="font-size: xx-small">Photo from the French military</span> </p> <p> A French luxury yacht hijacked by pirates on the coast of Somalia last Friday has highlighted a vast and growing problem in uncontrolled waters. Local bloggers explain that if the pirates get their ransom, attacks will only be encouraged. </p> <p> The pirates took the thirty, mainly French, crew members hostage last Friday and are negotiating a ransom sum with the French government. The 88-metre <em>Ponant</em> has been directed to the shores of Puntland; a semi-autonomous region in north east Somalia. Meanwhile, the French military has zoned in the boat, and is close enough to launch an attack. </p> http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080409-ponant-pirates-ransom-France-Somalia#comments video France pirates Somalia Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:32:49 +0200 Julien 14930 at http://observers.france24.com