UN chief seeks compensation from Israel

[Violet_Crumble]

UNITED Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has accused Israel of lying about attacks on United Nations facilities during its Gaza offensive and demanded compensation.

Mr Ban said a UN investigation had found conclusively that Israeli weaponry was the cause of attacks on several schools, a health clinic and the world body's Gaza headquarters.

Israel denies it intentionally struck the compounds, and says it was forced to act against militants using the buildings and other civilian areas for cover. Israel said the material it presented to the UN was largely ignored in the final report.

Mr Ban said he commissioned an investigation to look at "the nine most serious incidents" and appointed five board members in February, soon after the fighting ended.

The first of 11 recommendations calls for the UN to seek an acknowledgment by Israel that its statements that Palestinians had fired from the UN's school in Jabaliya on January 6 and the UN's field office compound on January 15 were "untrue and are regretted".

Another says the UN should seek reparation for deaths and injuries involving UN personnel and property.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/un-chief-seeks-compensation-from-israel-20090506-avak.html?page=-1

[PDJane]

1. The UN property?

How about some compensation for the palestinian property and lives?

[Violet_Crumble]

2. This investigation was about UN facilities...

I suspect other investigations are dealing with the destruction of Palestinian property and attacks on civilians...

I think the UN is more than entitled to be concerned about attacks on its facilities....

[PDJane]

3. The UN is entitled to concern about its facilities.

That's quite true. More concerned than about egregious behaviour, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure, however? Moot point.