Freight News, Sea

EU steps up searches on Syria-bound ships

[ July 23, 2012   //   Chris ]

The EU is to oblige member states to search all ships navigating through their territorial waters or stopping in their ports if they are suspected of transporting arms or dual-use goods to Syria, under the latest round of sanctions against the country. Previously, EU countries could stop ships but were not legally obliged to do so.

It follows an incident in January when a Russian ship allegedly carrying ammunition reached Syria after calling in Cyprus. Cypriot officials said they had been led to believe that the vessel was heading for Turkey.

The 17th round of sanctions against Syria is due to be formally adopted by the member states’ foreign ministers on 23 July in Brussels.

Tags: Shipping