BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
HIS Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, condemned the recent Israeli raid on Gaza-bound Turkish aid ships, in a joint statement with other ministers of the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (Asean-GCC) Ministerial Meeting yesterday.
Released at the conclusion of the meeting, the statement shows the foreign ministers condemning the act of violence in international waters. On Monday Israeli commandos swooped down on the Gaza aid flotilla.
The ministers also expressed condolences to the victims of the raid and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Turkey and other countries.
The ministers urged the immediate release of those who are still held hostage by the Israeli authorities and called for the removal of the Israeli blockade in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in particular UN Security Council Resolution 1860.
With the recent raid, Israel has once again created additional hurdles to the Middle East peace process which is currently entering a critical phase with the launch of “proximity talks”, the statement noted.
The ministers agreed there is a need for international cooperation to ensure that Israel is held accountable for its action in accordance with international law.
The ministers urged the United Nations to conduct a thorough investigation of the Israeli attack in order to ensure its accountability.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia and Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.
In another joint press statement, the foreign ministers of the Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council, said they had a fruitful two-day Asean-GCC Ministerial Meeting in Singapore.
“We discussed the favourable developments and the future directions of Asean-GCC cooperation, we also had productive discussions and exchanged views on international issues of common concern”, the statement said.
Later, His Royal Highness joined Asean and GCC foreign ministers in a courtesy call on Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
His Royal Highness and Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Zariah is leaving Singapore today. – Izam Said Yaa’kub
The Brunei Times
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