A ship flying the Cypriot flag that was detained in Cyprus on Thursday in compliance with an Israeli and American request was believed to be heading for Gaza with weapons and ammunition. Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias released a statement that the vessel was in violation of United Nations resolutions, but he did not detail, stating the release of too much information would only serve to complicate the situation.

Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou stated his country is trying to determine if the Iranian vessel was indeed carrying arms and a search of the cargo will be conducted. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni spoke on the phone with Kyprianou on Saturday. Officials in Cyprus have indicated additional information will be released in the coming days, adding they realize their responsibilities as a member of the UN nations.

American Chief of Joint Staffs Admiral Mike Mullen stated America was not permitted to stop the vessel due to legal limitations, calling for a stronger UN resolution that will permit America to take the appropriate action in the future.

Mullen added in statements to the press that last week, when the ship was searched after receiving permission, weapons were not found, the ship was bound for Syria after which it was scheduled to head to Gaza.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)