TURKISH STATEMENT ON FLOTILLA INVESTIGATION

I4P

The following is from the Turkish Foreign Ministry:

Regarding the Investigation Commission of Israeli Raid against the Freedom Flotilla

Israel's declaration that it will establish a commission, composed of Israeli citizens and two foreign observers, in order to investigate the Israeli raid against the Freedom Flotilla does not in any way meet Turkey's clear demand or international community's expectations, which were expressed in the Presidential Statement of the United Nations Security Council.

Israel does not have the authority to assign a national commission to investigate a crime perpetrated in international waters. An inquiry to be conducted by such a commission cannot be impartial, fair, transparent and credible.

Turkey has indeed already agreed to the proposal by the UN Secretary General to establish an international commission to be composed of one Turkish, one Israeli and three international experts. We strongly condemn Israel's disregard of this proposal to date.

We expect that the international community, above all, the USA that lost a citizen of her own, support this constructive proposal by the UN Secretary General and take action in that direction without delay

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And here is the text from the UN Security Council document pictured above:

10-38279 (E) 010610
*1038279*

Statement by the President of the Security Council


At the 6326th meeting of the Security Council, held on 1 June 2010, in
connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in
the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, the President of the Security
Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries
resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation in
international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza. The Council, in this
context, condemns those acts which resulted in the loss of at least ten civilians
and many wounded, and expresses its condolences to their families.

“The Security Council requests the immediate release of the ships as well
as the civilians held by Israel. The Council urges Israel to permit full consular
access, to allow the countries concerned to retrieve their deceased and
wounded immediately, and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance
from the convoy to its destination.

“The Security Council takes note of the statement of the UN Secretary-
General on the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it calls for
a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to
international standards.

“The Security Council stresses that the situation in Gaza is not
sustainable. The Council re-emphasizes the importance of the full
implementation of Resolutions 1850 and 1860. In that context, it reiterates its
grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for
sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded
provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

“The Security Council underscores that the only viable solution to
Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an agreement negotiated between the parties and
re-emphasizes that only a two-State solution, with an independent and viable
Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its
other neighbours, could bring peace to the region.

“The Security Council expresses support for the proximity talks and
voices concern that this incident took place while the proximity talks are
underway and urges the parties to act with restraint, avoiding any unilateral
and provocative actions, and all international partners to promote an
atmosphere of cooperation between the parties and throughout the region.”

Posted by I4P Writers Group at 8:53 PM  

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