LibDem MEP backs UN call for Gaza flotilla inquiry (Enfield Liberal Democrats)

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

LibDem MEP backs UN call for Gaza flotilla inquiry

June 1, 2010 4:00 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

Commenting on the 'Free Gaza' flotilla clash in which 10 activists are thought to have died and many injured, London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"As a thriving democracy, Israel must heed the UN Security Council call for a 'prompt, impartial, credible and transparent' inquiry into this violent clash between Israeli armed forces and activists. Anything less will do immense further damage to both Israel's reputation and its security."

"An independent inquiry must fully examine the actions of all parties, including claims of weapons possession and use by those on the aid boats, and establish the precise facts and responsibility for the chain of events in this terrible incident."

"Israel's blockade of Gaza was originally intended to help prevent attacks on Israel, an objective which I fully share in a situation where Hamas was and is bent on Israel's destruction. But it must now be recognised that the blockade is neither humane nor in fact increasing Israel's security in the widest sense, and it must be ended in favour of a regime of careful monitoring of goods going into Gaza."

"The Israeli government needs to look again at how it can most effectively guarantee its safety while maintaining good relationships not only with those of its neighbours which can be constructive but also with its allies. The obvious step is to accelerate peace talks with Mahmoud Abbas. There is plenty of 'delegitimisation' of the state of Israel going on, but it is not helpful to label every criticism of Israeli government policy as such."

ENDS

Note to Editors

Sarah Ludford has been a member of Liberal/Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel for 30 years, and is a supporter of the European Friends of Israel. She has long campaigned for a peaceful two state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. She has always opposed sanctions and boycotts against Israel and works in the European Parliament for fair and balanced resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine.