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Iraqi 'terror ships' at sea
From: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 14:19:47 -0500
------ Forwarded Message From: Einar Stefferud <Stef () thor nma com> Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 15:12:04 -0800 To: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu> Subject: Iraqi 'terror ships' at sea Something to investigate;-)...\Stef Excerpt from: This is LONDON - 19/02/03 Iraqi 'terror ships' at sea - By Patrick McGowan, Evening Standard Three huge cargo ships feared to be carrying Iraqi weapons of mass destruction are being tracked around the world by British and American intelligence. The vessels, which have been at sea for three months, are believed to be carrying weapons smuggled out through Syria or Jordan. They are all refusing frequent requests to provide details of their cargo or destination and officials are worried that the vessels are maintaining radio silence in clear contravention of maritime law, which states all ships should be in constant communication. . . . <snip> The discovery of weapons of mass destruction would be a huge boost to George Bush and Tony Blair and would represent the "smoking gun" they need to justify invading Iraq. However, environmental concerns are preventing boarding of the vessels, whose positions are provided by satellite 24 hours a day. They set sail just a few days after UN inspector Hans Blix returned with his team to Iraq to search for Saddam's weapons arsenal. Iraq is effectively blockaded by US and Royal Navy ships patrolling the Gulf and the three vessels are not thought to have set sail from there. A shipping industry source said: "These ships have maintained radio silence for long periods and for a considerable time they have been steaming round in everdecreasing circles. "If Iraq does have weapons of mass destruction then a very large part of its capability could be afloat on the high seas right now." . . . <snip> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ©2003 Associated New Media http://www.thisislondon.com/news/articles/3453118?source=Evening%20Standard ------ End of Forwarded Message ------------------------------------- You are subscribed as interesting-people () lists elistx com To unsubscribe or update your address, click http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/
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- Iraqi 'terror ships' at sea Dave Farber (Feb 20)