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Russians Jailed in Somaliland for Illegal Plane Landing

   VOA News 30 December 2010

   A  court  in  the  breakaway  republic of Somaliland has sentenced six
   Russians  each  to one year in jail for illegally entering the enclave
   and landing a plane carrying illegal military supplies.
   An  attorney  for  the  men told VOA's Somali Service the six have the
   option  to  buy  out their prison terms. They were also fined $500 for
   immigration violations.
   The  Russians  were  arrested  earlier  this month after landing their
   chartered   plane  at  Somaliland's  Hargeisa  International  Airport.
   Authorities  say  the  plane  contained  military  uniforms  and other
   equipment destined for the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
   Reports  say  the equipment was headed to a private company conducting
   anti-piracy  training  in  Puntland. But authorities expressed concern
   the  military supplies could make their way to armed groups that could
   destabilize Somaliland.

   Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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