CAIRO, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Egypt ended a three-day standoff allowing the decommissioned a French aircraft carrier to pass through Suez Canal, saying it poses no asbestos threat.
The carrier Clemenceau is due to reach India in March to be scrapped, but Greenpeace says the ship is carrying hundreds of tons of asbestos insulation and should not be allowed to reach its destination, reports the BBC.
The international environmental group warns the asbestos will endanger the health of Indian workers who will take the vessel apart in the western state of Gujarat.
But Egyptian authorities say documents received from France make it clear the vessel does not come under international agreements banning the export of toxic waste.
Greenpeace says the Egyptian is giving in to French pressure, the report said. French authorities say the ship has already been decontaminated with 15 tons of asbestos removed, but Greenpeace claims hundreds of tons remain.
An Indian court commission has recommended the ship not be allowed in Indian waters but a final ruling is awaited.
