Cyprus detains ship with military cargo
By IANSTuesday, June 22, 2010
NICOSIA - Cyprus has detained a vessel loaded with unspecified military cargo reportedly meant for Sudan and Singapore.
The ship named “Santiago”, carrying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was detained when it anchored off Cyprus’ southern port of Limassol, requesting permission to enter for refuelling.
“The material aboard the ship is considered prohibited and the ship is not allowed to leave Cyprus. By prohibited material, we mean either explosives or other military material,” Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides was quoted as saying by Xinhua Tuesday.
The ship had sailed from Norway and had passed through German and Spanish waters, Paschalides said.
Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos earlier said the ship was being inspected by Cyprus Port and Marine Police, in cooperation with the Cyprus Ports Authority to ascertain whether its cargo comes under an arms embargo by the UN and the European Union.
The captain of the ship said Sudan and Singapore were the destinations of the cargo, Katsounotos said.
Both the officials, however, denied media reports that the ship had been detained on information given by US authorities.
