Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez has confirmed plans to begin evacuation of thousands of seafarers who re still trapped in the conflict areas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IMO Scribe also confirmed the death of 14 seafarers as a result of the conflict.
In the statement, the IMO Sec Gen however expressed appreciation over the resolution of the war, which had caused hardship globally.
The statement reads in part: “After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping”.
“I want to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this conflict. Their dedication in service of global trade will not be forgotten”.
Harping on the imminent evacuation of the huge number of seafarers still held-up as aresult of the war, the IMO said, “We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry”
Dominguez confirmed that the IMO has secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade”, the statement concluded.
—Strait Of Hormuz Fully Open Without Charges —
Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva, Ali Bahreini, announced on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels without tolls.
Bahreini said that the situation would be reviewed after 60 days, depending on negotiations between Iran and the United States (U.S.).
Iranian and U.S. negotiators have concluded a first round of talks on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the two sides in Switzerland in the past week.
Under the MoU, Iranian assets would be unfrozen by the U.S., said Bahreini.
“Iran is the only country that decides what to do with those assets, and there would be no role for any other country or entity to have a say on how those assets should be used by Iran,” he said.
Bahreini refuted the U.S. claim that Iran has agreed to invite inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) back into the country.
“No, there hasn’t been such a decision or even such a discussion,” said Bahreini, noting that discussions on Iranian nuclear activities are for the next stage.
“Therefore, any information provided by different sources about the possibility of allowing inspectors to come to Iran is incorrect,” said Bahreini.
