Turkish Parliament Condemns Israeli Attack

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) condemned the Israeli attack on aid ships for Gaza in a General Meeting on 2 June.

TBMM Deputy President Güldal Mumcu read out the declaration by the Presidential Chair. It said that political, economical and military relations with Israel should be reviewed; an international investigation commission should be established to inquire the attack; Israel should officially apologize and pay compensation for the victims of the attack.

The declaration was accepted by the General Assembly. It read as follows:

"The Turkish Grand National Assembly strongly and insistently condemns the attack of the Israeli Armed Forces carried out on Monday morning, 31 May 2010 on the flotilla carrying humanitarian help. We condemn the attack on the flotilla which lead to the death and injury of many innocent people from 32 countries, most of them Turks".

"May the deceased rest in peace, we express our condolences to their relatives and convey our wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded persons".

"This attack was a clear breach of the United Nations Law and international law", the declaration said.

"The TBMM expects the United Nations Security Council to pass an according decision condemning Israel and providing sanctions as soon as possible. An independent and international investigation commission should be established to investigate this atrocious attack to its full extent".

"The Israeli Government should officially apologize for this attack, they should guarantee the prosecution of the responsible people and they should pay compensation to the victims of the attack".

"Turkey has to seek remedy against Israel on domestic and international legal recourses", the declaration continued.

"The TBMM expects the Turkish Government to review political, military and economical relations with Israel and take significant measures."

"The TBMM respects the justified reactions to the attack shown by our people".

"The TBMM believes that these reactions will not resort to violence and do not convey offences against our Jewish fellow citizens. The reactions against the belligerent attitude of the Israeli Government may not be aimed at the Israeli people".

"The TBMM is showing solidarity to the Palestinian people as we have always done so. We expect the inhumane siege and embargo of Gaza to be lifted immediately", the declaration concluded.

Unanimously approved

The declaration was unanimously approved and signed by Suat Kılıç, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), and the Deputy Chairs of the Parliamentary Groups, namely Kemal Anadol for the Republican People's Party (CHP), Oktay Vural from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Ayla Akat Ata from the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). (BB/TK/VK)