Somali pirates blame West for looting fish

Somali pirates who are demanding US$7m (€4.7m) in ransom for a British sailing couple said today that boats from other countries are plundering Somalia's fish-rich waters.

Ahmed Gadaf, who described himself as a spokesman for the pirates, said Western fishing vessels "harass" local fishermen and destroy their nets. Gadaf spoke to The Associated Press by satellite phone.