Russian tanker with Iraqi oil:U.S.

Russian tanker with Iraqi oil:U.S.

MUSCAT (AFP): A Russian tanker diverted by the U.S. navy in the Persian Gulf on suspicion of violating sanctions on Iraq, arrived in an Omani port on Monday after U.S. tests showed it was carrying Iraqi oil.

The Volgoneft-147 dropped anchor in the capital's Mina al-Fahl port, after being escorted in by an Omani naval vessel and two coastguard boats. Russian diplomats were in port to board the tanker.

The Russian ship was under U.S. naval escort until it entered Omani territorial waters, Omani officials said. It was finally moored four kilometers out to sea.

U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen said earlier that U.S. tests showed the Volgoneft, which was intercepted last Wednesday, was carrying oil of Iraqi origin in violation of UN sanctions in force since 1990.