Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ukrainian ship freed, but whither the cargo?


That is the question asked by Elisabeth Dickinson over at FP:

Somali pirates released the hijacked Ukrainaian vessel, the MV Faina, today to much international applause. Held since September, it cost 'just' $3.2 million in ransom. (And yes, that is a bargain given the cargo's value is estimated at $30 million).

How delightful that the hostages on board are free! But I feel quite differently about the cargo. Doesn't anyone remember what is on this ship? That $30 million of cargo is not oil or clothes or cars. It's weapons -- tanks, arms, and more. The Ukranian press reports that it is still headed to Kenya -- it's original desintation, maybe. Or was it the semi-autonomous but increasingly armed Government of Southern Sudan?


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