MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

ARA Libertad: Defence minister takes responsibility; Ghana embarrassed with the incident

Argentine Defence minister Puricelli

Argentine Defence Minister Arturo Puricelli took responsibility on Thursday for the fate of the navy training frigate Libertad, which continues to be impounded in Ghana. Meanwhile from Ghana a top official said the country was “embarrassed” with the whole incident.

“Those in charge of the Frigate are the officials at the Defence Ministry. Final decisions are made by the President and I assume the responsibilities that are given to me,” Puricelli told reporters.

He added the planning of the ARA Libertad tour was done at the Defence ministry, on suggestion from the Navy, and admitted that it was decided to include a call in Ghana in the framework of “a strategic decision of establishing close political contacts with Africa”.

Puricelli also revealed that the original option was Nigeria but the Argentine Foreign ministry warned about the risks of calling at any port of the leading African nation.

Ghana's government was embarrassed when a visiting Argentine naval ship was detained in the country Deputy Foreign minister Chris Kpodo has been quoted by the local press.

“Though it has felt embarrassed, the Ghanaian government can do nothing about the matter as it has gone to the court”, Kpodo said, adding that the case was between the Argentine government and a private company, and not between two governments.

Kpodo also denied that the government had refused to refuel the detained vessel.

The ARA Libertad with a crew of more than 330 was impounded in the port of Tema earlier this month on a court order sought by NML Capital Ltd, which claims payment from Argentina of over 300 million dollars in defaulted bonds.