Brussels, 05/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Middle East Quartet (EU, USA, Russia and UN) has warned against the risk of confrontation between Israeli forces and pro-Palestinian militants seeking to force the Gaza blockade on board a new international flotilla, Liberty II (European and American vessels). Participants include American and European personalities, including MEPs. This is a repeat of the operation conducted in 2010, which had caused the death of Turkish activists and cast disparagement on the Israeli intervention force, although Israel has since been seeking to prove that it was not responsible for triggering the violence.
The Quartet recalls that incident in its statement of 2 July, in which it supports governments that seek to “discourage” activists from making the crossing, calling on them to show restraint. Greece, the country from which the flotilla leaves, was the first to do so, after a series of incidents causing damage (or “sabotage” according to the version given) had delayed the departure of one of the main vessels, Audacity on Hope. Given the protest voiced, the Greek government has finally suggested a compromise that could put an end to this whole affair, the Israeli daily, Maariv, states. Humanitarian material on board the vessels will be carried to the Gaza Strip by a Greek government ship. According to an official of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Israel considers this as a reasonable solution. The daily, in its weekend edition, affirms that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman sent a letter to about ten of his counterparts in Europe and elsewhere, calling on them to discourage their nationals from taking part in the flotillas, and to take action to prevent them doing so.
In its statement, the Quartet accompanies its opposition to the flotilla, developing a long argument whereby it states that it remains concerned by the situation facing the population of Gaza. It also underlines the effort gradually being made by Israel to improve the living conditions of those in Gaza. It reaffirms Israel's right to security and the joint efforts made with countries of the region, including Egypt, to check arms and munitions trafficking.
Late Monday, in Brussels, a protest demonstration of around 100 people formed before the buildings of the EU Council. Yannick Jadot, MEP (Greens, France), announced that a French boat for Gaza has been prepared by over 60 political, trade union and associate organisations with a view to joining the flotilla. A first vessel, Le Dignité, is reported to have left Corsica on 25 June with French political figures on board, and a second, the Louis Michel, was preparing to leave Greece for Gaza. (F.B./transl.jl)