EU High Representative Ashton supports UN Gaza flotilla probe – Spokesman statement/Non-UN document

Statement by the spokesperson of HR Catherine Ashton

in support of U.N. international Gaza flotilla probe

The spokesperson of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement today :

"Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, supports the announcement by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon of an international inquiry into the Gaza-bound aid flotilla incident last May.  Israel and Turkey's commitment to the enquiry is a positive step towards finding out the truth of what really happened on May 31.

The EU has continuously called for and sought a full, frank, fair, balanced and transparent inquiry which meets international standards. With this in mind, we look forward to the outcome of the international enquiry."

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Note to editors: The investigation will be led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer as chairman and outgoing Colombian President Alvaro Uribe as vice chairman. The panel also will have one Israeli and one Turkish member, who will be named shortly.

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu

Darren Ennis +32 498 963 293 – +32 2 296 32 93 – Darren.Ennis@ec.europa.eu

COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu

www.eeas.europa.eu