Page 86 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

INTERNATIONAL WATERS

At the same time, the US imposed sanctions on
nine Russian ships allegedly transporting Iranian
weapons, which are intended to bolster Russia's
operations on the Russian-Ukrainian front. A TASS
report noted the targeting of two shipping compa-
nies, Sea River Service Limited Liability Company
and VAFA Wholesale LTD, on 10 September.
Data from Marine Traffic suggests that MG-FLOT,
which transported short-range ballistic missiles
from Iran to Russia, has also been targeted.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, France, the UK, and
Germany criticised the transfer of Iranian ballistic
missiles to Russia and announced new sanctions.
These sanctions also target Iran's national carrier,
Iran Air.
“We will take immediate steps towards cancel-
ling bilateral air services with Iran”, the statement
underlined. The three countries will impose sanc-
tions against Iran Air, as well as individuals and enti-
ties involved in the transfer of ballistic missiles and
other weapons to Russia.
use of the institution’s advisory jurisdiction to bypass The US acted swiftly, imposing the first sanctions
the need for States’ consent. Calling for measures on Iran Air and the previously mentioned ships and
that have not been negotiated by the Israelis and shipping companies.
Palestinians may only harden positions, he warned. However, Iran denies any involvement in the trans-
New Zealand supported the resolution, the coun- fer of ballistic missiles to Russia and promises to
try’s delegate said, even though it is not perfect. respond to the new sanctions.
The 12-month time frame set out in the resolution
for Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian RUSSIA IN SUPPORT OF PAKISTAN’S
Territory, is “frankly unrealistic”, she said, adding: INCLUSION IN BRICS
“However, in the next 12 months, we expect Israel On 18 September, Pakistan's Prime Minister and
to take meaningful steps towards compliance with Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar
international law”. The Palestinian Authority must held delegation-level talks with the Russian Deputy
also take meaningful steps to ensure political and Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk.
security control of the occupied territories, she said. The two sides discussed the entire spectrum
However, several delegates who voted against the of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive
text said it fails to address the immense security momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the
challenges that Israel faces. The representative of last two decades. They agreed to pursue robust
the Czech Republic regretted that the text does dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, indus-
not acknowledge Hamas’ use of the Gaza Strip as try, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and
a “launching pad for its rampage of killing of Israelis education.
while systematically using Palestinian civilians as Deputy Prime Minister Dar expressed Pakistan’s
human shields”. However, he admitted that a negoti- desire to intensify bilateral, political, economic, and
ated agreement is the best path to fostering a better defence dialogue with the Russian Federation.
future in the Middle East, as did the representatives The two sides also agreed to continue coordinating
of Argentina and Hungary. on multilateral fora including at the United Nations
and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Dep-
SANCTIONS ON IRAN AND RUSSIA: THE uty Prime Minister Dar thanked the Russian side for
WEST REMAINS VIGILANT its support of Pakistan’s bid for the membership
Once again, Russian ships are in the crosshairs of of BRICS.
Western sanctions, with the UK and the US taking The two Deputy Prime Ministers agreed to maintain
new measures aimed at limiting Russia's ability to close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
import and export goods. Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk’s visit took
Specifically, in early September, the UK imposed place in pursuance of the vision of Prime Minister
sanctions on ten vessels reportedly belonging to Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir
Russia's so-called “dark fleet”, which used illicit Putin on transforming bilateral relations into a solid,
practices to evade sanctions on Russian oil. mutually beneficial economic partnership.

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