Lieberman heads to Germany in bid to block Gaza flotilla

[ 06/04/2011 - 12:27 PM ]

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman headed out to Germany on Wednesday for an official visit calling for European action to thwart the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla 2 due to travel to the Gaza Strip mid-May to break Israel's economic siege on the region.

Lieberman is set to meet with his German and Italian counterparts Guido Westerwelle and Franco Frattini, respectively, as they are both present in the capital Berlin, and would like to emphasize the need for western countries to stop naval rescue missions to the Gaza Strip, Israeli Radio reported.

The move comes as Israel has increased contacts with high-profile officials with intent to thwart the new convoy.

Israeli military attacked the first convoy during an effort to bust the siege last May and killed nine activists and injuring scores more. The attack drew heavy criticism against Israel.

Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have planned to tour Europe to hold talks with officials about ways to hamper the convoy.

According to Israeli Radio, Netanyahu is set to travel Wednesday to talk with officials in Germany and the Czech Republic to urge officials to help block the ship, claiming its organizers were motivated by political and not humanitarian purposes.

Peres will also resume his tour of Europe, as he landed last week in Switzerland and the UK before going to the US, where he currently stays.

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