“We have swiftly responded because once Tanzania
is mentioned regarding registration of international ships, it means Zanzibar
... we deny media reports, quoting somebody claiming to be an investigator,
that Tanzania has issued licences to 50 North Korea owned vessels facing
international sanctions.
This is pure lies,” stressed Mr Jumbe. He said
reports by an individual in South Korea, claiming to be an ‘investigator’ on
vessels operating in the estranged Asian nation, named Leo Byrne, aims at
tarnishing the image of Tanzania and ZMA as far as international businesses are
concerned.
The story was picked and widely circulated by a
section of social and mainstream media in Tanzania.
Mr Jumbe noted that ZMA was thorough in the
registration and issuance of international licences to foreign vessels to avoid
violation of international laws and sanctions. Some of the conditions that
applicants for the international licences have to meet include submission of
Bill of Sale, Deletion certificate, citizenship or residence of owner, full
name of the company and address.
Zanzibar dismisses reports on ships ZMA Director
General Abdalla Hussein Kombo accused the author of the story of failure to
consult his office for comments, ending up with the false news article that
lacked details, as a result.
“This was a malicious story that sought to break
our good relations with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),” he
said. Mr Kombo said that his office had so far registered over 400 vessels
operating locally and globally. “Our work has been recognised and legally
approved by IMO ... we take all precautions lest us violate any law,” he
explained.
Mr Kombo said ZMA has been working independently
since 2014 after it terminated its contract with Dubai-based Philtex agent,
which issued licences to Iranian ships in 2013, when the Middle East nation was
under sanctions.
“We ended the contract with Philtex, but it is
unfortunate that the agency is still registering and issuing licences secretly
to foreign vessels. We have already confiscated two vessels with fake
registration by Philtex,” he charged, adding that the Attorney General’s office
is handling the issue, contemplating legal actions against the company.
He said his office in collaboration with the Ministry
responsible for International Affairs will search the author of the story in
South Korea and demand details that link Tanzania with the registration of
North Korean ships. Mr Kombo said his office was determined to get the truth,
saying despite being careful in registering international ships, some dishonest
companies could be using Tanzania flag illegally.
“Immediately after the resolution, we cross
checked our list and de-registered one ship named ‘First Gleam’ from the
embattled Korea.
The ship had been registered in January before
the resolution and my office informed the foreign ministry,” he said.
The UN resolution passed in March, 2016 calls on
member states to de-register any vessels that is owned, operated or crewed by
North Korea.
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