Ban Ki-moon: 'Shocked by raids'

UN secretary-general condemns raids, Blair expresses "shock."

By ASSOCIATED PRESS, JPOST.COM STAFF
311_green protest banner (photo credit: Associated Press)
311_green protest banner
(photo credit: Associated Press)
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the raid of the "Free Gaza" flotilla.
"I am shocked by reports of killing of people in boats carrying supply to Gaza. I heard the ships were in international water. That is very bad."
Ban called for a "thorough investigation" of Monday's events.
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Former British prime minister and current Quartet Representative Tony Blair expressed "regret and shock at the tragic loss of life" that took place during the raid.

Blair also spoke of the need to find "a different and better way of helping the people of Gaza and avoiding the hardship and tragedy that is inherent in the present situation."

White House issues cautious response
The White House issued a cautious reaction, saying "The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."
France issues condemnation, EU wants inquiry
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner also spoke out against the events, condemning Israel and adding that he was shocked that the IDF would attack the ships, Army Radio reported.
European
Union Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton called for an international inquiry into the clashes, and Greece canceled a planned joint military exercise with Israel as a result of Monday's events.
Sweden, Greece and Jordan summoned their Israeli ambassadors to their respective capitals later on Monday to explain the loss of life in the IDF storming of the flotilla.
If the assault occurred in international waters, “there will be serious repercussions,” Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt stated.
Egypt, Turkey summon Israel ambassadors for questioning
Egypt summoned the Israeli ambassador for clarifications of the "Free Gaza" flotilla raid on Monday.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned over the incident, and said it acted with excessive force.
Turkey summoned the Israeli ambassador Monday to the foreign ministry to discuss the storming of the flotilla in the international waters off Gaza, which heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel to new levels.
"Israel
has violated international law and will answer for the outcome of its actions," a spokesperson from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
Istanbul: Protesters demonstrate against IDF raid
Turkish police blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul after the IDF flotilla raid was reported.
CNN-Turk and NTV showed dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police guarding the consulate in downtown Istanbul.
"Damn Israel," the protesters shouted.
Protesters later staged a more peaceful demonstration outside the consulate, holding up Palestinian flags and listening to readings from the Koran.
Activists also started to gather outside the Israeli ambassador's residence in the Turkish capital.
Two TV networks reported earlier that Israeli warships attacked the six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid for blockaded Gaza, killing at least two and wounding an unknown number of people on board.
"We were not expecting such an operation in international waters," Omer Faruk Korkmaz, an official of the pro-Islamic aid group, IHH, that led the aid shipment said in Turkey. "Israel has been caught redhanded and the international community will not forgive it."
Alon Liel, a former Israeli ambassador to Turkey, urged the Israeli government to work together with the Turkish government to resolve the fate of the flotilla. He suggested that, rather than bringing the vessels into Ashdod, Israel should ask Turkey to send escort boats to accompany them back to Turkey. “We have diplomatic relations with Turkey,” said Liel. “Let’s utilize them.”