Source: Xinhua| 2020-07-14 03:41:20|Editor: huaxiaVideo Player CloseUNITED NATIONS, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is preparing a team to assess a neglected tanker off Yemen to avoid a possible catastrophic spill of 1.1 million barrels of crude oil, a UN spokesman said on Monday. "The local de facto authorities in Yemen have officially communicated to the UN their approval for an UN-led technical assessment and repair mission onboard the Safer oil tanker off the coast of Ras Issa," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The "local de facto authorities" refer to the Houthi rebels controlling much of the embattled country's northern area. "We are working to ensure the technical team can deploy as soon as possible to assess the condition of the tanker and undertake initial repairs," Dujarric told a virtual briefing. On Wednesday, the Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting on the issue, the spokesman said on Friday.

Source: The Local July 13, 2020 19:41 UTC