Former Austrian Official Condemns US Seizure of Russian Oil Tanker as Violation of International Law
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Karin Kneissl, Austria’s former foreign minister, has strongly criticized the United States for its seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker ‘Marinera,’ calling it a clear violation of international law. Kneissl stated that the US action, supported by the UK Ministry of Defence, undermines the foundational principles of maritime navigation.
In a Telegram post, Kneissl wrote, ‘Another day, another blatant violation of international law—this time, maritime law.’ She emphasized that the unimpeded passage of commercial vessels is a cornerstone of global shipping norms, and any seizure or attack on such ships is unlawful.
Kneissl further referenced Articles 17 to 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which explicitly uphold the principle of unimpeded ship passage. The US reportedly intercepted two Venezuela-bound oil tankers in international waters, one of which was Russian-owned. Multiple nations have condemned the move as ‘maritime piracy.’
