UN Fact-finding mission awaits Israeli response

The three-member fact-finding mission appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to probe the Gaza flotilla incident is awaiting a response for its request for cooperation with the Israeli government.

The mission is currently in Turkey as part of its investigation into the incident of May31st when Israeli security forces intercepted a ship with humanitarian aid headed for Gaza.

Nine Turkish peace activists killed in that incident by the Israeli soldiers during the Israeli attack on Marmara.

The Coordinator of the mission’s secretariat Juan Carlos Monge, says the mission has not received a response to the request it submitted to the Israeli government about ten days ago.

“What the fact finding mission requested was a full access to official records, full access to government officials and it’s really up to them to decide to what extent the mission will be granted to interview Israeli soldiers.”

The Coordinator says that the mission reiterated the request last week.

From Turkey, the fact finding mission will go to Jordan and prepare a report to be submitted to the Human Rights Council in September.

Juan Carlos Monge said “What the fact finding mission requested was a full access to official records, full access to government officials and it’s really up to them to decide to what extent the mission will be granted to interview Israeli soldiers.”