Ukrainians Still Held in Africa

No positive decision came out of the hearing that ended the Monday before last in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, on releasing nine Ukrainian citizens on bail. The judges ruled that our compatriots will stay on in a Zambian jail at least until mid-October, when the court will initiate official proceedings against the crew of the impounded Ukrainian IL-76 plane, reported Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting chief of information Ihor Hrushko at the a briefing on September 7.

In his words, it has been established that the Ukrainian IL-76, belonging to Azovavia and leased to carry cargo for a Kenyan company, was inspected and impounded by local authorities in Lusaka Airport on August 14. The crew, nine citizens of Ukraine, were on the same day placed in a hotel. The Africans found absolutely no cargo in the plane they examined. The plane was impounded without any grounds whatever, states Mr. Hrushko.

At present, Zambian authorities have not yet informed the ambassador of Ukraine in the South African Republic (who was officially instructed to deal with the release of our citizens) about the official version of the detention of the IL-76 and its crew. Still, it is known that the investigation being conducted by the Africans, insists that the Ukrainian airplane flew over a part of Zambian territory from which overflight is officially banned.

Ukrainian diplomats have turned for assistance and support to the authorities of Zambia and the Russian embassy in that African country.