ITF Press Release (20 May) on the An Yue Jiang
May 23rd, 2008
This Press Release from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) was released on the 20 May 2008. It follows on from this news that the weapons had arrived in Harare.
The ITF – which helped stop the An Yue Jiang unloading its cargo of military supplies anywhere in Southern Africa, and regularly revealed the location of the fugitive ship – today again disproved the Zimbabwean government’s claim that it was in possession of the arms.
David Cockroft, ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) General Secretary explained:
“Zimbabwean deputy information minister Bright Matonga is at it again. This is the recycled claim he made two weeks ago that the An Yue Jiang offloaded arms in Lobito. Unfortunately Matonga is living down to his reputation for ineptitude and mendacity. When he put out that story the ship was actually 230 nautical miles south of Lobito and didn’t come anywhere near that port for two days, when it actually bypassed it and tried to sneak into Luanda undetected. Similarly, the vessel has been nowhere near DR Congo or Congo-Brazzaville.â€
“In their attempts to get these arms Zanu-PF have been publicly beaten – something they should be getting used to by now. Their propagandist lies are just the latest failed attempt to salvage something from this latest humiliation.â€
Cockroft confirmed that the ITF’s location report from the end of last week, which had the An Yue Jiang on a course consistent with a return to China, remained valid.
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.ukInternational Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 – 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org
May 23rd, 2008 13:21
PS how many of us have signed the condolences book at the Chinese Embassy?
And as for weapons, I think we should be wary now and when there is a change of government insist on some transparency.
May 23rd, 2008 23:33
Well, it seems that China confirms that the weapons was not delivered.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805210871.html
Zimbabwe: China Denies Arms Cargo Delivered to Country
May 24th, 2008 00:00
Had problems posting here, so I’ll try again without the link. Just like to say that China said that they did not deliver the shipment and the statement was made on May 22. Seems like they are feeling the pressure about this. So, lets hope it’s true. I am still worried about the 2nd consignment which was supposed to be airlifted.
June 30th, 2008 16:47
Perhaps some of the people throwing around allegations on previous reports should now appologise to Avient and its staff.
I would ask that the following people post a retraction of their false allegations and speculation…
Peter Risdon
Patrick Chirungu
Fish Eagle
Tara
js
BeeSA
Before i am accused i would like it to be known that i am not Mr Smith