BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman warned Friday that his country would resort to the UN if necessary over Ghana's seizure of its frigate.
Ghana's seizure of Argentine warship Libertad is "illegal," because "the warship has immunity established in several international conventions signed by the Republic of Ghana," Timerman said at a press conference.
"Argentina keeps all the options open before the international law and, in case it's necessary, it will come before the UN," added the minister.
The row started earlier this month when Libertad was detained at the eastern Tema Port during a "good-will mission." On board were 220 crew members as well as 110 students, some of whom are from Uruguay and Chile.
The move to embargo the ship was sparked by a claim by NML Capital Limited, which is suing the South American country over its 2002 bond default.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has refused to pay 20 million U.S. dollars as bail to free the warship and its crew.
At Friday's press conference, Timerman said that "to negotiate with vulture funds isn't and won't be an option."
|
