Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopia would not press for extradition of five hijackers who Thursday forced its military transport plane from a domestic flight to land in Khartoum, Sudan.

According to foreign affairs minister Seyoum Mesfin, what is important for Ethiopia "is that the criminals will be tried for their act."

"Extradition is not an outstanding issue now, but bringing the hijackers to a court of law for their cirminal act," Seyoum said Monday at a press conference.

He thanked the Sudanese government and its foreign ffairs minister, Mustafa Osman, who was involved in lengthy negotiation with the hijackers, for ensuring the safety of 51 passengers and crew of the plane.

Speaking at the same press conference, Sudan's foreign affairs minister said Ethiopia had the right to ask for the extradition of the hijackers on the basis of an existing treaty between the two countries.

The main concern, he said, was to save lives and secure the release of all hostages once the hijacked plane landed in Khartoum.

Mustafa said the hijackers released their hostages on the understanding that they would get a fair trial. "That's what they will get," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopia-Sudan joint ministerial commission is holding its fifth session in Addis Ababa.

The three-day session, which opened Monday, will review the progress made to enhance cooperation between the two countries since the commission's last meeting in March 2000 in Khartoum.

Cooperation is presently concentrated on improvement of trade and communication links, including construction of roads and supply of gas and fuel oil to Ethiopia.

The two ministers said they were satisfied with the progress made within a year, particularly with regard to implementation of road links between towns on both sides of their common border.