US welcomes Freeport search for prohibited cargo

UPDATED 8.30 p.m.- Adds US embassy and government statements.

The US Embassy this evening praised the Maltese government after the police this morning swooped on a number of Malta Freeport containers which were found to contain cartridge cases, the shipment of which violates international law.

The consignment was found in six containers after the governemnt was alerted yesterday by US and German authorities.

The containers were in transhipment and were searched following information that they may be carrying weapons. There had been initial fears that this was live ammunition.

Sources said the containers had been landed from a ship that has Iran in its itinerary. Its last port of call was Turkey.

GOVERNMENT STATEMENT

The government in a statement in the evening said it was informed by the German and American authorities yesterday that the German-registered cargo ship MV Hansa India was carrying prohibited but non-dangerous cargo as defined in UN resolutions and EU rules.

The police acted to verify the information and once it was confirmed, the cargo was seized.

The cargo consisted of a large consignment of cartridge cases and copper discs.

The government said it would take further measures as necessary under Maltese and international law.

US REACTION

The US embassy welcomed the Maltese government's actions.

"The enforcement of international law on the high seas by all members of the international community is vital to the world's security. At every level, the Government of Malta responded with alacrity to the report of a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and without fanfare proceeded to responsibly and fairly act in accordance with its international responsibilities to off-load and isolate the prohibited cargo," the embassy said.