US backs international role in flotilla probe
Jerusalem officials completing outline of commission of inquiry into deadly takeover of Gaza-bound flotilla, say delay stems from international consultations; PM to testify as part of probe. State Department, UN chief, Germany and Italy reiterate need for international investigation
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the German and Italian government on Tuesday called for an international investigation into Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, which left nine pro-Palestinian activists dead.
The United States also backed calls for an international participation in Israel's probe, saying it was "essential" to ensure credibility.
"We understand that the international participation in investigating these matters will be important to the credibility everybody wants to see," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said.
"We recognize that international participation... would be an essential element to putting this tragedy behind us and then hopefully creating some additional trust."
Jerusalem officials have been working on the mandate for the investigation procedure over the past few days, and it has already been approved in principle and nearly completed during Monday's seven-minister forum.
The forum is expected to convene again on Wednesday to discuss the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and the expected ease of restrictions in coordination with Washington.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been insisting that the Israel Defense Forces' soldiers would not be questioned, meaning that the investigation procedure will use military debriefings and the findings of the committee appointed by IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. The committee will hear testimonies from the prime minister, defense minister, other senior ministers and the chief of staff.
The delay in forming the outline for the commission stems from international consultations and personal procedures. According to estimates, a draft resolution on the committee's appointment and the ease of restrictions on Gaza will be presented to the cabinet during its weekly meeting on Sunday.
'Quartet must be involved'
Germany and Italy said on Tuesday they wanted the international quartet of Middle East mediators to be involved in a "transparent and neutral" investigation into the Israeli raid.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini said after meeting in Berlin they wanted an international inquiry, with Westerwelle adding that it was "in Israel's own interests" such a probe take place.
"We agree there must be a thorough, transparent and neutral investigation with an international component, which should in our opinion involve the quartet," said Westerwelle, adding that "the blockade of aid to Gaza is unacceptable".
Frattini echoed Westerwelle's comments on the involvement of the quartet – composed of the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia – and the need for a "transparent, honest and thorough" investigation.
The Italian politician – whose centre-right government is a firm ally of Israel – agreed the blockade must be lifted, while suggesting the international community could help Israel to carry out security checks on goods allowed into Gaza.
"The situation in Gaza must be resolved now, by allowing the movement of goods and services needed by the population," said Frattini.
"Above all, we must not play into the hands of extremists. Closing the borders gives the extremists of Hamas an opportunity to use the blockade of Gaza as a flag, and not a flag of peace."
France and Britain have also called on Israel to accept an international inquiry into the incident.
UN Secretary-General Ban also urged Israel to agree to international participation in the investigation.
UN associate spokesman Farhan Haq said Ban wants to underscore that "credible international involvement is crucial to a prompt, credible, impartial and transparent investigation" which the Security Council called for after Israel's May 31 raid that killed eight Turks and a Turkish-American.
"The secretary-general understands that Israel is still considering how and if to bring an international element into the investigative process," Haq said.
Reuters, AFP and The Associated Press contributed to this report
