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Turkish FM: Israel must bear responsibility for attack on 'Flotilla of Freedom'

Arab-Israel Relations Materials 11 August 2010 11:48 (UTC +04:00)
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu denied accusations today that his country supported the passage of the "Flotilla of Freedom" to the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the accusation several days ago, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Turkish FM: Israel must bear responsibility for attack on 'Flotilla of Freedom'

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu denied accusations today that his country supported the passage of the "Flotilla of Freedom" to the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the accusation several days ago, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Davutoglu said Israel must bear responsibility for the attack on the "humanitarian convoy."

"Israel must bear responsibility for the murder of innocent civilians in open seas and not blame us," he said at a joint press conference with Belgian Deputy Foreign Minister Steven Vanaker, who is on a visit to Ankara.

An Israeli investigatory commission began looking into the attack Aug. 9.

During hearings this week, Netanyahu said the Israeli military acted in accordance with international law. He also accused Turkey of trying to extract profit from the conflict.

The Israeli military clashed with passengers on board the "Flotilla of Freedom" May 31 in the Mediterranean Sea. The fleet of ships were allegedly carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Nine people were killed and dozens more were wounded.

The international community has strongly called for a joint investigation into the incident. Although Israel initially refused outside assistance with the investigation, the government has now allowed the U.N. to conduct an inquiry due to international pressure.

Davutoglu said that the results of the UN investigation will be assessed.

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