Russian ship not involved in arms smuggling – MFAOctober 24, 2012 - 14:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Russian ship carrying a cache of weapons, which was seized by Nigerian authorities over the weekend, was not involved in arms smuggling, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, Oct 24, according to RIA Novosti. “The Nigerian authorities have detained the ship for a routine check as the vessel carried a number of weapons and ammunition necessary to ensure security during its operations,” a ministry spokesman said. “The Nigerian officials were promptly notified about the weapons on board through the ship’s agent in the port of Lagos, therefore any claims about an attempt to smuggle arms into the country are ungrounded,” he said. The ship was carrying the arsenal of weaponry to ensure protection from pirates who frequently attack ships along the Nigerian coast, Deputy General Director of Moran Security Group, Vadim Gusev, said on Tuesday. Russian diplomats in Nigeria have taken all the necessary steps to clarify the situation and will meet with officials from the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday to negotiate the release of the ship, the spokesman said. The Myre Seadiver, owned by Russia’s Moran Security Group, was detained in the port of Lagos on Saturday on suspicion of arms smuggling. A cache of weaponry, including 14 Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifles with about 5,000 rounds of ammunition, was discovered on board. The ship has been moved to a nearby naval base. The 15 members of the crew, mostly Russians, remain on board awaiting further developments in the situation. “Russian sailors on board the ship are in good health,” the spokesman said. “They have all necessary supplies as well as phone and internet links with Russia.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |