[ 02/10/2010 - 09:22 AM ] Norway will no longer allow Israeli submarines to use one of its naval bases after imposing a ban on exporting military equipment and services to Israel, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported.
Israel has made a 1.3 billion euros deal with a shipbuilding company in Kiel, Germany to build two advanced Dolphin submarines. The company leases water space from Norway to carry out necessary testing on the vessels.
The newspaper reported that the Norwegian Foreign Ministry notified the manufacturer Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft weeks back that it will not allow Israel to conduct future test exercises for its submarines in the country’s territory. One of the vessels was set to be tested when finally manufactured in early 2011.
Norway decided to force the ban based on international decisions.
The vessels are powered by a highly advanced propulsion system that allows them to stay under water for three weeks and can undertake long-range missions from the Israel’s ports.
Israel already has three Dolphin submarines, which were tested in Norway. Foreign news sources say the ships are capable of firing nuclear-tipped missiles.
More than 40 per cent of Norwegians support a boycott of Israeli products according to a poll taken in early June after Israel’s lethal attack against a Gaza-bound flotilla of humanitarian aid in late May.
River to Sea
Uprooted Palestinian
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