Panama to let seized North Korean ship and crew go home soon
The North Korean crew and ship detained in Panama for smuggling Cuban weapons three months ago will soon be freed. The crew's return would mark the end of a bizarre chapter between the three countries that provoked international controversy after the ship was seized in July for smuggling military-style arms under more than 10,000 tonnes of sugar.
The North Korean crew and ship detained in Panama for smuggling Cuban weapons three months ago will soon be freed.
The crew's return would mark the end of a bizarre chapter between the three countries that provoked international controversy after the ship was seized in July for smuggling military-style arms under more than 10,000 tonnes of sugar.
Foreign Minister Fernando Nunez said repairs to the ship were nearly completed so the crew could sail back home in the same vessel.
While the UN Security Council has yet to decide on penalties against Cuba, given a ban against arms transfers to North Korea due to the country's nuclear weapons programme, the arms would probably be sold or given away, Nunez Fabrega added.
In July, the North Korean crew sabotaged its electrical system and bilge pumps after Panamanian investigators stopped the ship on suspicion it was carrying drugs after leaving Cuba.
The North Korean-flagged ship will be returned after the vessel's owner formally signs off on the plan.