Russian foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions against "humanitarian convoy"

31.05.2010 Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs roundly condemns Israel's attack upon Freedom Flotilla caused about 10 deaths and calls to end blockade of the Gaza Strip.

According to press release of Russian foreign ministry, Moscow expresses dispraise and deep concern in this connection; in particular, considering death and injury of participants of the "humanitarian convoy". All details of the incident must be clarified. Obviously, use of arms against civilians and groundless detention of vessels in neutral waters is a crude violation of standard international legal norms.

Russia considers this incident "as a message confirming the need of fastest end of Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip", said the pres release of Russian MFA.

Freedom Flotilla which was attacked by Israel consisted of six vessels. Last Sunday they sailed off Cyprus to break blockade of Gaza Strip. At least 600 human right activists (mostly Turks) with 10,000 tons of relief consignments headed for the blocked Palestinian enclave.

According to Arabian media, about 15 persons were killed and 30 wounded as a result of Israel's operation. Among injured people is Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of radical Islamic Movement in Israel and Dr. Hani Suleiman, head of the Lebanese humanitarian mission. Israeli military confirmed 10 passengers of Freedom Flotilla were dead.

As for Western media, except for Turks on board the ships were representatives of the US, Great Britain, Australia, Greece, Canada, Malaysia, Algeria, Serbia, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

Shortly after the incident European diplomatic services demanded Israel's explanations of the incident off Gaza. Foreign ministry of Spain which is currently chairs the EU called Israeli ambassador to give explanations of the incident. So did Sweden, indignant of "unacceptable" actions of the Israeli. Danish and Greek diplomatic authorities also called Israeli ambassadors.

French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner demanded to investigate the incident caused deaths of right activists from the international flotilla.

Emergency session of 27 EU member countries was convened Monday afternoon to discuss the situation around Freedom Flotilla.

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan ended working visit over Latin American countries because of the incident occurred.

Ankara called to conduct special session of UN Security Council and declared intentions to recall its ambassador from Israel.