Iran, Tehran, Feb. 15/ Trend , A. Namdari/ The weapons cargo uncovered in the Cyprus-flagged Iranian vessel in is not unexpected. Like the United States and Russia, we also have a right to sell weapons to any country, member of the Iranian parliament's Security Commission Mehdi Shahriyari told Trend on Feb. 15.
Cyprus officials have announced that the country have stopped an Iranian vessel under Cyprus flag and have uncovered weapons cargo on it. A total of 90 containers were stopped as it the cargo in the vessel contradicted the UN Security Council resolutions against Iran.
Shahriyar criticized Cyprus authorities and noted that Iran has signed military agreements with a number of countries. Iran sells weapons to some of them. "I think Iranian vessel was carrying raw materials to one of these countries. It does not contradict international law. The U.S. and Russia sell weapons to any country they wish. Why then they create a scandal when it comes to Iran?" he said.
The Cyprus officials say the vessel was likely sailing to Syria. Tel-Aviv accused Iran of shipping weapons for Hamas. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hasan Gashgavi announced that weapon cargo was not meant for Hamas.
Cyprus government announced that it has unloaded Monchegorsk vessel in Limasol port and will not give the weapons cargo back to Iran.
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