US expresses concerns over second Gaza aid flotilla

Apparently worried about a possible repeat of last year's deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, the US yesterday again shared its concerns with Ankara over the second such flotilla due to set sail later this month. "We have been in consultation with the Turkish government about this. We have shared our concerns," US State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters in Washington. Commenting on Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's assertion that Turkey can't stop a flotilla sent out by non-governmental organizations to break the Gaza blockade, Toner said, "That may very well be the case. These are independently operating NGOs. But what I think our concern is we don't want to see another situation arise where people are put at risk." Nine Turks – including an American of Turkish descent – were killed in May 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the first Gaza-bound flotilla. In related news, Davutoglu said in a televised interview that relations with Israel won't return to normal unless the Israeli government apologizes and compensates the victims of the raid. "We hope that Israel will not repeat such an action in international waters this time or make provocative statements on this issue," he reiterated. He further charged that Israel sees itself as outside international norms and above the law, which threatens both regional security and Israel's own security. "The eastern Mediterranean doesn't belong to Israel. Everyone should understand this," Davutoglu said. The Israeli Navy is prepared to intercept and take control of ships in the flotilla, The Jerusalem Post quoted a senior Israeli navy officer as saying on Tuesday. "We will order the ships to stop, but if they don't, we are prepared to intercept and board the ships," he reportedly said.