Easing Gaza's Siege: Bogus and Unacceptable

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"The Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly value the rule of law, human rights and democracy. Israel was committed to these values (as seen) by signing up to be an observing member. But, with this raid in open waters, it violated a number of values espoused by this body."

"This crisis with Israel will hamper our efforts in our Partnership for Democracy project and curtail efforts at dialogue in the Subcommittee on the Middle East. (The) attack came as a shock to us. We had to respond. Both the term president, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and I issued statements condemning this attack in international waters."

In its June 21 - 25 session, PACE will address the attack, its Political Affairs Committee already planning an emergency summer meeting, a report to follow, Cavusoglu adding that:

"This is not a problem between Israel and Turkey. There were citizens in the aid flotilla from over 30 countries and ships flying the flags of many countries. It also happened in open waters, and civilians got killed. This was an act of piracy and violated international law."

Update on New Flotillas

On June 17, the International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) headlined, "Aid Ship Sets Sail From Iran Bound for Gaza," saying:

An International Red Crescent Society organized Iranian Flotilla, funded by private donors, "departed from Iran bound for Gaza, with another ship planning to join it by the weekend."

Last year during Cast Lead, another Iranian ship tried to enter Gaza, "but was turned back (not attacked) by the Israeli military while still in international waters." The IDF, however, "threatened to engage (this) ship" while still in international waters, yet an attack seems unlikely given the world outrage over the May 31 one.

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