The Greek freighter, the Astypalea, detained by the United Arab Republic at Port Said since last December 17, will unload its Israeli cargo next week, informed sources predicted here today.
The vessel, carrying 400 tons of cement for East Africa, f. o. b. Haifa, was halted at Port Said despite an understanding reportedly reached with UAR President Nasser by United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold, Under that agreement, the UAR promised to permit unhampered Suez Canal transit of foreign ships carrying Israeli cargo title to which had passed to the non-Israeli purchaser before the ship entered the canal. The f. o.b. transaction was arranged for that purpose.
With the charter of the Astypalea expiring and the Egyptian port authorities adamant in their refusal to permit transit, the ship will have to unload the cement, it was indicated.
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