Israeli-Palestinian conflict (46 Viewers)
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Sweden summons Israeli ambassador, calls for EU response
Stockholm - Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt Monday said it was crucial to "quickly establish" what has happened with the flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip carrying pro-Palestinian activists and tons of humanitarian aid that was reportedly stormed by Israeli commandos.
Bildt expressed concern over media reports - mainly from Turkish outlets - that there had firing and that people had been killed and injured on a Turkish-flagged vessel.
"We are trying to clarify what has happened," Bildt, currently visiting Italy, told Swedish radio news.
"We have summoned the Israeli ambassador to get information," Bildt said, adding he had also been in touch with the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to ensure that the EU gives a "clear response during the day when we get a clearer picture of what has happened."
Among issues needing clarification was if the events took place on international waters or in Israel's territorial waters, he said.
"This is a very serious situation, it will have serious consequences. That is why it is very important to clarify facts," Bildt said.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/...israeli-ambassador-calls-for-eu-response.html
Stockholm - Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt Monday said it was crucial to "quickly establish" what has happened with the flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip carrying pro-Palestinian activists and tons of humanitarian aid that was reportedly stormed by Israeli commandos.
Bildt expressed concern over media reports - mainly from Turkish outlets - that there had firing and that people had been killed and injured on a Turkish-flagged vessel.
"We are trying to clarify what has happened," Bildt, currently visiting Italy, told Swedish radio news.
"We have summoned the Israeli ambassador to get information," Bildt said, adding he had also been in touch with the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to ensure that the EU gives a "clear response during the day when we get a clearer picture of what has happened."
Among issues needing clarification was if the events took place on international waters or in Israel's territorial waters, he said.
"This is a very serious situation, it will have serious consequences. That is why it is very important to clarify facts," Bildt said.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/...israeli-ambassador-calls-for-eu-response.html
Turkish cabinet emergency session over flotilla deaths
Ankara/Istanbul - The Turkish government and military met for an emergency session on Monday after Israel stormed a flotilla of aid ships including one Turkish vessel, in an operation that saw at least 10 people killed.
The convoy had been heading towards the Gaza coast to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip that has been under embargo by Israel since 2006. The largest aid vessel was under Turkish flag, carrying about 500 passengers.
The emergency meeting was called by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish news wire Anadolu reported from Ankara.
Rejecting Israel's move, the Turkish foreign ministry said Israel had broken international law.
The Israeli military confirmed that at least 10 activists aboard the flotilla have been killed in the operation that also prompted demonstrations by angry protesters outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.
The Turkish vessel carried a live stream of camera footage broadcast on Turkish TV.
At one point it appeared that demonstrators were about to attempt to storm the consulate building, according to Turkish TV reports. Instead angry chants were heard outside as news of possible fatalities on the flotilla emerged.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/...ncy-session-over-flotilla-deaths--update.html
Ankara/Istanbul - The Turkish government and military met for an emergency session on Monday after Israel stormed a flotilla of aid ships including one Turkish vessel, in an operation that saw at least 10 people killed.
The convoy had been heading towards the Gaza coast to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip that has been under embargo by Israel since 2006. The largest aid vessel was under Turkish flag, carrying about 500 passengers.
The emergency meeting was called by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish news wire Anadolu reported from Ankara.
Rejecting Israel's move, the Turkish foreign ministry said Israel had broken international law.
The Israeli military confirmed that at least 10 activists aboard the flotilla have been killed in the operation that also prompted demonstrations by angry protesters outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.
The Turkish vessel carried a live stream of camera footage broadcast on Turkish TV.
At one point it appeared that demonstrators were about to attempt to storm the consulate building, according to Turkish TV reports. Instead angry chants were heard outside as news of possible fatalities on the flotilla emerged.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/...ncy-session-over-flotilla-deaths--update.html