Putin says Israel attack 'unacceptable'

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129723§ionid=351020602


Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has criticized Israel's deadly attack on a Gaza-destined aid ship, saying the action was "unacceptable."

"It is particularly deplorable that the attack was carried out in neutral waters. Such actions against civilian ships are unacceptable," Putin said following his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on Tuesday.

At least eight Turkish nationals were killed during the attack, which left at least 20 activists dead and injured dozens more.

The attack Freedom Flotilla convoy, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, has provoked an international outcry.

The Turkish government has called for reviewing relations with Israel.

"Carrying out such actions in neutral waters raises special questions and, naturally, calls for careful examination and investigation," Putin said.

In an interview with AFP, the Russian prime minister also urged Israel to lift the Gaza blockade.

"We have always called for the lifting of the blockade … I don't think such methods are effective in resolving the problems faced in the region," he said.

The siege has deprived some 1.5 million people in Gaza of food, fuel and other necessities since 2007.

The attack on the Flotilla has prompted the UN to call for an international probe into the deadly incident. However, Israel has rejected the call, saying it will conduct two internal probes.