Suez Canal Authority remains neutral in Russian-Ukrainian war
The Suez Canal Authority proclaimed neutrality in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announced that it will not ban Russian and Ukrainian vessels from traversing the canal.
CAIRO — Amid rumors about the Suez Canal closing off access to Russian ships, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced complete neutrality in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, stressing that it will not restrict Russian and Ukrainian vessels from passing.
In televised statements to Sada al-Balad satellite TV channel on March 1, SCA head Lt. Gen. Osama Rabie said the canal is a neutral global canal and an international trade corridor that will not be affected by political differences and wars, in accordance with international agreements and treaties regulating maritime navigation.
He also denied any request from the United States to prevent the passage of Russian ships.
On Feb. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. The war, which has been ongoing to date, was condemned by the United States and the European Union, both of which imposed economic sanctions on Moscow.
