Reporters asked the president about the situation at the end of a White House meeting Friday with his economic advisers. Obama did not answer.

Four Somali pirates are holding Capt. Richard Phillips. He was captured during a failed attempt by the pirates to seize a U.S.-flag cargo ship on Wednesday off the Horn of Africa.

Obama also brushed aside questions Thursday when reporters sought his reaction on the incident.

Other U.S. and White House officials have offered assurances that the administration is working to resolve the situation peacefully.
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