Turkish Official Says a Russian Ship, Perhaps With Munitions, Has Reached Syria

[Little Tich]

Source: The New York Times

ISTANBUL — A Turkish Foreign Ministry official said that a Russian ship thought to be carrying a cargo of munitions reached Syria on Thursday, in defiance of a European Union embargo, after stopping to refuel in Cyprus and receiving what the Turks said was inadequate scrutiny there.

“The Cypriot officials not only falsely included Turkey as the vessel’s destination, which seems to be originally Syria, but also failed in examining the vessel thoroughly to see whether it carried arms as speculated,” said the official, who spoke on the condition that he not be named because of his diplomatic status.

Cypriot officials had categorized the cargo of the ship, the Chariot, as “dangerous” in a written statement on Wednesday, and said the ship had stopped at Limassol, Cyprus, on Tuesday because of poor weather and a need to refuel.

The statement said that the officials received confirmation from the operator of the vessel, Westberg Limited of St. Petersburg, Russia, that it would not continue on to its originally intended destinations, Turkey and Syria.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/world/middleeast/russian-ship-perhaps-with-munitions-said-to-reach-syria.html

[David__77]

1. More anti-Cyprus nonsense from Turkey.

Turkey has expansionist ambitions with "Northern Cyprus." The feud is long-standing. Cyprus had every right to allow to ship to leave under the circumstances. The ship had every right to change its destination to Syria, and deliver whatever its payload may be.

[Little Tich]

2. There is an EU arms embargo on Syria.

Russia violated this embargo by using an EU port for transporting ammunitions to Syria. This has nothing to do with Turkey vs Cyprus.

[David__77]

3. Russia isn't part of the EU.

I don't think the EU has any legal authority whatsoever. It can penalize or expel its own members. The EU could ban Russian flag ship from its ports, but I doubt that will happen. I would suggest that Russia not port in EU countries if it's sending arms to Syria - take another route.

[harun]

4. A ship with 60 tons of ammo is heading to the place where the ammo is being used

on innocent civilians. Oh the horror for Turkey bringing up the issue!

Poor wittle Cyprus.

[AverageJoe90]

5. Good! At least some Russians have some good sense.