Russian sailors were detained for carrying explosives

24.06.2010 German-operated cargo ship Santiago flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was arrested in Cyprus. The crew is suspected of transportation of armor and explosives to Sudan beyond the international embargo.

Santiago was detained far back on June 11, although only today it was found out that the crewmembers are citizens of Russia and Ukraine.

The ship is not allowed to leave territorial waters of Cyprus and to call at the port of Limassol for fuel replenishment either. Antonis Paschalides, Cyprian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism explained that the ship's cargo is very hazardous. According to some sources, there are explosives and tanks on board.

As for local authorities, cargo ship Santiago sailed off Norway and called at port of Hamburg and a Spanish port to load cargo. The ship called at Limassol for bunkering.

The police presently studies genuineness of the vessel's documents; according to the papers, explosives were carried to Sudan, and tanks – to Singapore. Paschalides pointed out that authorities of Cyprus would consult with appropriate services of other countries while cargo examination.

Western media reported that Cyprian authorities had been warned by the US. However, representative of the US embassy in Nicosia denied this information.

We recall that in 2004 the UN imposed an international arms export embargo on Sudan to prevent weaponization of conflicting parties in Darfur. Besides, Cyprus is a member of the EU which introduced additional sanctions against Sudan.