Maputo, 19 May (AIM) – The United States considers “worrying” the fact that a Russian ship under sanctions from Washington docked in January in the central Mozambican port of Beira.
The cargo ship in question is the “Lady R”, which, according to the US ambassador in South Africa, Reuben Brigety, had loaded arms and ammunition at the Simon`s Town Naval Base near Cape Town, before making its way back to Russia.
According to the Portuguese news agency Lusa, citing a U.S. embassy spokesperson in Maputo, the concern was also addressed to the Mozambican Government.
“The US embassy has raised concerns with representatives of the Mozambican government about the docking of a US-sanctioned Russian cargo ship in the port of Beira in January of this year”, the spokesperson said.
Mozambique has taken a position of neutrality towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine, abstaining in votes condemning Russia at the United Nations and calling for dialogue to end the conflict.
“Before the beginning of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the United States and partners have worked with governments around the world to restrict Russia’s access to anything that supports its military”, the US source added.
Following Brigity’s comments, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that an investigation had already been launched (with help from US intelligence services) into the visit of the ‘Lady R’ in December, adding that his government had no evidence of any arms sales.
According to Associated Press (AP), “The Lady R freighter is linked to a company that has been sanctioned by the United States for having previously transported arms to the Russian government and aiding in its war effort.
(AIM)
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