UN’s Ban Supports Greek Initiative To Route Aid To Gaza
By KUNA
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday expressed support to the Greek initiative to use Greek vessels to convey goods to Gaza, and urged the organisers of Flotilla II to agree to it, his press office said in a statement.
Ban discussed earlier today by telephone with Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis the standoff concerning the flotilla II stranded in Greece unable to proceed to the besieged Gaza Strip to deliver food and medicine.
Ban, the statement said, thanked the Minister for briefing him on Greeces initiative to use Greek vessels to route humanitarian aid to Gaza through regular existing channels, in close coordination with the United Nations.
“The Secretary-General expressed his support for the Greek initiative. In his view, it could help to reduce tensions in the region and ensure much-needed aid is delivered to those who need it in Gaza. He said the United Nations would work closely with Greece, Israel and Palestinian authorities on this matter,” the statement added.
It indicated that Ban also expressed hope the flotilla organizers would agree to this initiative.
The two officials took the opportunity to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including the Secretary-Generals efforts to restart talks on theMiddle East peace process.
