Video - Turkish authorities delays passage to Russian ships in Bosphorus Strait. (SP).
The Russian Navy transport ship Yauza was met by a Turkish Navy submarine while passing through the Dardanelles Strait on Monday, Russia's RT reports, citing Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News.
The video also comes on the heels of reports that two Turkish Navy subs are following the Russian missile cruiser Moskva, off coast of Syria. The Moskva is charged with protecting the Russian air base at Hmeymim in the Syrian province of Latakia.
In a clear violation of international norms, Turkish authorities have created hurdles for Russian vessels passing through the Bosphorus Strait; as a result, dozens of Russian ships have been waiting for hours to obtain the green light from Turkey for passage, media reports said.
RIA Novosti quoted Viktor Kravchenko, former chief of staff of the Russian Navy, as saying that a possible unilateral closure by Turkey of the Bosphorus Strait for Russian ships would be out of line with international law.
"Turkey will not close the strait to Russian
vessels en route to Syria because it would be a violation
of international law and the Montreux Convention, in particular, — a
document that was signed by most counties at the time", he said.
The 1936 Montreux Convention on the Regime of the Straits regulates the passage of civilian and naval ships through the Bosphorus Strait and the Dardanelles. According to Article 2, "merchant vessels shall enjoy complete freedom of transit and navigation in the Straits, by day and by night, under any flag and with any kind of cargo, without any formalities."
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