Greece says Libyan embassy hands over arms cache

Libyan diplomats have voluntarily surrendered dozens of weapons and explosives to Greek police after they were found in the Athens embassy grounds, authorities said Tuesday.       

A police statement said the cache included 30 handguns, two sub machineguns, 15 kilograms of plastic explosives, detonators, two hand grenades, more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition for various types of firearms, silencers and wiretapping equipment.       

A police official said the weaponry had apparently been amassed by the previous Libyan regime, headed by Moammar Gadhafi, although it was not clear exactly when it was brought into Greece.       

Greece's anti-terrorist squad took delivery of the arms and explosives Monday, and is investigating whether the firearms have been used in illegal acts.       

No comment was immediately available from the Libyan embassy.       

The police official said some of the weapons were practically military grade and very dangerous, and had most likely been brought into Greece illicitly.       

He spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation is ongoing.       

Greece and Libya enjoyed good relations under Gadhafi, who ruled from 1969 until shortly before his lynching by rebels last October.   

AP