UN chief: Flotilla probe won't summon witnesses

Panel investigating deadly flotilla raid to submit interim report to Ban Ki-moon by September 15. UN chief says committee does not have authority to summon soldiers to testify

Yitzhak Benhorin|Published: 08.12.10 , 22:27

WASHINGTON - Following the many concerns raised in Israel that the UN team investigating the Gaza flotilla raid may attempt to summon soldiers to give their testimonies, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared the committee does not have the authority to do so.

The UN chief stressed that the committee does not have the power to probe suspicions of individual criminal responsibility in the deadly outcome of the takeover of the Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara.

On Thursday, just two days since the UN panel first convened in New York, a statement released by the panel said it will strive to submit an interim report to Ban by September 15 – before the General Assembly's annual convention.

The panel's next meeting was set for early September.

Ban, who has expressed hope that the report's conclusions could help bridge the gap between Turkey and Israel instead of widening the rift between them, was pleased with the discussions' positive atmosphere and the good cooperation by the Israeli and Turkish representatives.

During the panel's two days of work, its members met with the UN chief and he outlined the nature of the task he envisaged for them.

The panel also met with UN secretariat bodies to ensure that administrative arrangements and support are either in train or have been established to enabling them to complete their work in the best possible manner.