Foreign
THE UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an end to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on merchant ships in the Red Sea.
The document adopted in New York on Wednesday, condemned the attacks and called for their “immediate cessation.’’
11 countries voted in favour – Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique abstained.
The vote was postponed by a few hours at short notice because Russia had tabled several amendments, all of which were rejected.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war between Israel and the Islamist militant organisation Hamas, the Houthis had repeatedly attacked ships with an alleged Israeli connection in the Red Sea.
They had vowed to only let freighters delivering aid to the Gaza Strip to pass through.
Large shipping companies were increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Around 10 per cent of all global trade passed through the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, making it the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe.
The alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa adds at least two weeks to transport times. (dpa/NAN)
A.
-January 11, 2023 @ 14:12 GMT|
Tags:
