MOSCOW, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - The...
Committee spokesman, Vladimir Markin, described Malta"s refusal as "inconsistent and illogical," and said it ran counter to the international convention on the law of the sea.Spanish authorities gave permission for the Arctic Sea, the Ladny frigate, which freed the cargo vessel from hijackers, and a Russian tug boat to call at Las Palmas on Tuesday, but cancelled the decision on Wednesday without giving any explanation.
Spain"s Foreign Ministry held intensive talks with Russian and Maltese ambassadors on Wednesday and on Thursday morning.
Russian and international media has speculated that the ship could have been involved in a state-sponsored arms trafficking operation, including suggestions that Russia attempted to deliver missiles for S-300 air defense systems to Iran or Syria. The speculation was dismissed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier this month.
A crew member close to the investigation told RIA Novosti on Wednesday
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