Beirut: Minister of Energy and Water, Joe Al-Saddi, praised the Lebanese army’s successful interception of the ship “HAWK lll” after it attempted to leave unauthorized.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Al-Saddi saluted the Lebanese army in an issued statement, explaining that the army naval units managed to track the ship “HAWK lll” and have it sail back to Lebanon. The ship had attempted to illegally exit the Lebanese territorial waters after being detained by Lebanese Customs upon the request of the Public Prosecutor.

“The Ministry of Energy and Water is still awaiting any indication from the judiciary to take action on the contractual relationship with the supplier company in terms of compliance with the terms,” the statement indicated.

The statement also mentioned that the ship was unloaded after the judicial authorities informed the Ministry of Energy that there was no objection. This decision was based on the results of three laboratory tests on samples of the ship’s cargo conducted in three accredited laboratories abroad, which were consistent with the specifications stipulated in the terms of reference.