Argentina says Ghana-held ‘Libertad’ ship will return January 9, 2013
The government of Argentina has hinted that its navy school ship, ARA Libertad which has been held by Ghanaian authorities for almost three months will dock at its capital port of Buenos Aires, by January 9, 2013.
The Latin American country made the announcement December 15, 2012 after Hamburg-based UN court ordered Ghana to unconditionally release the ship.
Argentine Defense Minister, Arturo Puricelli said “the return of the frigate will happen in the short term,” the BBC Brasil quoted him during a press conference.
Argentina also hailed the decision of the UN tribunal. According to the BBC report, the country’s Foreign Minister, Hector Timerman, said the unanimous judgment of the Court is “an incentive to the people and Government Argentines.”
“The unconditional release means that Argentina should not bail, bond or any security,” the minister said, referring to the $20 million needed to lift the embargo that the government refused to pay.
Ghana, in a statement issued by its Foreign Affairs says will “carefully consider” the UN court order to free the ship.
The Libertad has been docked at Ghana’s Tema port since October 2, 2012 under a Ghanaian court order requested by NML Capital, an investment firm that claims Argentina owes it $370 million.
By Ekow Quandzie