US State Dep't warns Turkey over planned Gaza flotilla

"Groups and individuals who seek to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions."

The Obama administration has warned Turkey against its planned flotilla to Gaza. In a press briefing yesterday, State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said that a planned flotilla would be irresponsible and provocative.

"We’ve raised our concerns with the Turkish government as well, and we’ve also met and said publicly as well as privately, meeting with some of these NGOs, about the risk of attempting to break this blockade," said Toner.

"We have made clear through the past year that groups and individuals who seek to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions that entail a risk to their safety. I think I’ve talked about this specifically."

Toner added, "There are established and efficient mechanisms for getting humanitarian assistance through to Gaza."

As for whether Israel plans to intervene to stop the flotilla in international waters, Toner said, "I’d have to refer you to the Israeli government as to what their actions may be if people attempt to break the blockade."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 2, 2011

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011

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