国际英语新闻：Lebanon gives greenlights to Gaza-bound aid ship

BEIRUT, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Transport Minister Ghazi Aridi confirmed on Sunday night that the ministry had allowed an aid vessel to sail from Lebanon to Cyprus before heading to Gaza Strip, local An-Nahar daily reported on Monday.

According to Aridi, his ministry has given the aid ship "Julia" permission to sail from Lebanon's port city of Tripoli following the request from the ship's organizers.

Aridi's remarks came as Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported that the Jewish state had initiated diplomatic efforts designed to prevent the departure of the ship "Mariam," another ship to be used by Lebanese and foreign activists to carry aid to the enclave.

Israel has been in touch with the UN, the United States, France, Spain and Germany on this issue, it has also been speaking with the Vatican because "Mariam" is expected to include several dozens of Catholic nuns, Ha'aretz said.

However, Aridi said "Mariam" was not the ship's name, stressing that the voyage was christened "Mariam" in honor of Virgin Mary.

While confirming that Julia's first destination will be Cyprus and not Gaza, the minister stressed that he won't sign on any illegal sail. He said "Julia" was registered in Paris and would have Lebanese and foreigners on board.