Cyprus releases Syria-bound weapons ship

Cypriot authorities release suspected air defense radars seized three weeks ago on a Syria-bound vessel; there is no arms embargo on Syria but Cyprus refused to release cargo after vessel’s manifest said shipment consisted of irrigation pipes, meteorological equipment.

Cypriot authorities have released suspected air defense radars seized three weeks ago on a Syria-bound vessel, officials said Wednesday.

The Panamanian-flagged Gregorio I was stopped on Sept. 5 at the port of Limassol, after authorities said the freighter was carrying 18 trucks fitted with radars that appeared to be air defense systems.