(AP) Edith M. Lederer - The UN Security Council called Tuesday for an "impartial" investigation of Israel's commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned the "acts" that resulted in the loss of at least nine lives. The UN statement, which was weaker than what was initially demanded by the Arabs and Turkey because of objections by the U.S., called for "a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards." It condemned "those acts" that resulted in deaths, without naming Israel. Yigal Palmor, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, said he doubted the potential "objectivity" and independence of any UN-sponsored investigation. "Considering the countries that support this option, we have every reason to fear for its independence." U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said: "The secretary-general called for a full investigation, and we believe the Israelis are capable of conducting a full investigation." Organizers of the flotilla said they would be sending two more ships to challenge the Gaza blockade within the next few days.
2010-06-01 08:33:45Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive