Argentina sets deadline for Ghana to release ship

Argentina's Foreign Minister Hector Timerman (L) speaks to the media on Ghana's seizure of the Argentine ARA Libertad frigate, at the Government House in Buenos Aires Nov 12, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina has threatened to bring its dispute with Ghana to an International Court in Germany's Hamburg if the African country refuses to release its naval ship Libertad by Tuesday.

"The government of Ghana has until tomorrow, Tuesday, to lift its embargo and acknowledge the Law of the Sea Treaty," Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman told reporters in the capital of Buenos Aires on Monday.

The law exempts the Libertad, as a warship, from being seized, Timerman said.

A Ghanaian court ordered the ship impounded on Oct 2 after it docked in the country's Tema Port. Argentina has evacuated most of its sailors aboard by a chartered plane, leaving some 40 behind to operate and maintain the vessel.

"All diplomatic means and legal measures available within Ghanaian and international law have been taken since the illegal seizure of the frigate Libertad," said Timerman, adding Argentine officials were already in Hamburg to prepare the case against Ghana.

Meanwhile, Argentine Defense Minister Arturo Puricelli confirmed that Ghana had suspended electricity and water service to the ship days ago.

Last week, Puricelli ordered the ship's crew to display their regular weapons to prevent Ghanaian officials from moving the ship to another site.

Ghana seized the ship on a claim by US-based private investment fund NML Capital Limited that Argentina owed it $370 million.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has insisted the embargo of the ship is illegitimate, saying Argentina will not negotiate with what she calls "vulture funds".