Madrid - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has informed the conservative opposition about the "possible release" of Spanish fishermen held by Somali pirates since October 2, an opposition spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Zapatero contacted opposition leader Mariano Rajoy, telling him he expected reports about the imminent release of the fishermen could be confirmed, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said.

Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos was meanwhile meeting Somali Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke in Rome.

The daily El Mundo quoted one of the pirates as saying that there was an agreement over a ransom, and that Spain had promised to release two suspected pirates who were captured and brought to Madrid for trial.

The 36 crew memb ers of the Alakrana include 16 Spaniards. (dpa)