Special representative of Ukraine on issues of the Middle East and Africa Hennady Latiy expressed deep concern of the Ukrainian party about the seizure and retention of Etel vessel, the crew of which consists of 19 citizens of Ukraine, by the armed citizens of Libya, the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine reports.
The Ministry noted that on July 19, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine invited temporary charge d'affaires of Libya to Ukraine Alhadi Asbei to speak about this incident.
Latiy demanded to release immediately the vessel and its crew in accordance with international law, to ensure the safety of our sailors during the vessel's stay at port, as well as to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into this incident in order to prevent similar cases in the future.
The representative of the Libyan embassy was given a corresponding note of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
