LOC10:08
07:08 GMT
GAZA, March 16 (KUNA) -- Israel affirmed Wednesday that Turkey refused an
Israeli request to intercept the "Victoria" cargo vessel which, according to
Israeli sources, carried weapons being smuggled to help Palestinian activities
in the Gaza Strip.
According to Maariv Israeli newspaper, Israel requested Ankara to intercept
the cargo vessel, a request which Turkey flatly refused.
Israel had stopped the ship which was hoisting the Turkish and Liberian
flags, indicated the newspaper, adding that the cargo consisted of weapons
suspected to be shipped to Palestinian factions.
Israel, however, did not hold any of the two states accountable for the
items discovered on the ship, indicated the newspaper.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem post indicated that a cargo vessel, intercepted
early Tuesday morning, contained Chinese-made anti-ship missiles and other
kinds of weaponry.(end)
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KUNA 161008 Mar 11NNNN