Friday, June 18, 2010

Second 'freedom flotilla' planned for next month

PAMELA DUNCAN in Strasbourg

A SECOND “freedom flotilla” is to be launched next month according to representatives of the convoy which attempted to break the Gaza blockade last month.

Nine Turkish crew members were killed when one of the vessels, the Mavi Marmara , was intercepted at sea by Israeli commandoes on May 31st as it attempted to bring humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza.

Speaking at the European Parliament ahead of a debate on the matter yesterday Mazen Kahel of the ‘European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza’ told journalists that a number of groups were preparing to send a second flotilla in an attempt to break the blockade.

“We have six boats which are ready to leave Europe. We are hoping to head off next month, in the last half of July,” he said, adding that other ships were expected from other parts of the world. He also made an open invitation to other organisations which had a genuine humanitarian intent to join the new convoy and voiced a commitment that media who wished to inspect the flotilla’s cargo before their voyage were welcome to do so to ensure “total transparency”.

Irish Times

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