Somali pirates free Spanish boat

Somali pirates have released a Spanish fishing boat and its crew after holding it for six weeks.



Spain\'s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the pirates had abandoned the Alakrana tuna boat and that all 36 crew on board were safe.



The pirates earlier told reporters that they were leaving the ship after being promised a ransom of US$3.5 million.



There has been no government confirmation of money having been paid.



The case took on greater urgency after the Spanish navy captured two pirates and took them to Spain to face trial, prompting threats from the remaining pirates to kill the Alakrana\'s crew.