Cyprus releases Syria-bound defence systems-source

NICOSIA, Sep 27 (Reuters) Cyprus has released to Syria a shipment of North Korean aircraft defence systems intercepted on an Interpol alert earlier this month, a government source said today.

Acting on the Interpol alert for arms smuggling, Cyprus found truck-mounted radar systems aboard the Panamanian-flagged Gregorio 1 on September. 5. It was billed as meteorological equipment on the ship's manifest but Cyprus had refused to hand them over because of the discrepancy in documentation.

''It has now been released to Syria after all the proper legal procedures were followed,'' said the source, who requested anonymity. ''Its gone, the matter is closed.'' The cargo also included a shipment of steel pipes, loaded separately in China. Cyprus said the pipes were for irrigation purposes.

The Gregorio one, on its way to Latakia in Syria, was detained when it called at a Cypriot port for refuelling just after visiting Egypt's Port Said. Last week the ship's management firm said the vessel was free to go by Cypriot authorities.

The process to release the systems required a Syrian application for an export permit from Cypriot authorities.

There are no UN restrictions on weapons supplies to Syria whose borders are widely regarded as a conduit for arms to the Lebanese Hizbollah group.

But discovery of the shipment put the Mediterranean island in a bind at the risk of upsetting friendly relations with Damascus.

In addition to the apparent discrepancy in paperwork, Cyprus says it should have been informed about any military hardware passing through its territorial waters.

REUTERS BDP RK2042