Germany urges Turkey to accept findings of UN Gaza flotilla report

[King_David]

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle calls to 'all sides not to aggravate the situation,' as Turkey announces an upgrade of its military presence in the Mediterranean.

Germany on Saturday called on Turkey to accept the findings of a United Nations report which certified the legality of an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, which resulted in the death of eight Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American.

On Friday, the UN released a report concluding that the May 2010 raid was legal, but urged Israel to show "regret" for using excessive force and compensate the families of the dead. In response, Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador to Ankara.

"We wanted a comprehensive, transparent and neutral investigation. This independent and transparent investigation took place. The results should be taken seriously even if a certain aspect is not liked by one or the other," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said.

Speaking in Sopot, Poland, after a meeting with EU counterparts in which Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu also took part, Westerwelle said Germany was following the dispute "with great concern" and appealed "to all sides not to aggravate the situation."


http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/germany-urges-turkey-to-accept-findings-of-un-gaza-flotilla-report-1.382325