General News of Monday, 22 October 2012

Source: radioxyzonline

'Seized' Argentine ship wont create diplomatic row - Gov't

The Government of Ghana says there won’t be any diplomatic row between Ghana and Argentina after the Latin American country ordered over 300 of its sailors to evacuate its navy training ship which was seized by Ghanaian authorities earlier this month.

Ghana has held the Libertad since October 2 in a row over Argentine debts.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry said the captain and some crew members will however stay on board the ship.

There are reports Argentina intends reporting Ghana to the UN but Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says it is unaware of such an action.

Creditors say they will not release the ship until Argentina repays money owed them from a default judgment in 2001.

NML Capital, a subsidiary of US hedge fund Elliot Capital Management says Argentina owes it more than 300 million dollars.

Some creditors including Elliot chose to hold out, pursuing the Argentine government through the courts to recover the full amount.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Chris Kpodo in an interview with XYZ News, said Ghana is prepared to hold the ship until the matter is finally determined in court.