Foreign Ministry's Secretary of State Pertti Torstila reprimands Israeli ambassador

Press Release 172/2010
1 June 2010

Israel's Ambassador to Finland Avi Granot was summoned on 1 June to the Foreign Ministry to render his account on the serious incident that took place in the Mediterranean Sea on 31  May. Secretary of State Pertti Torstila expressed the Finnish Cabinet's disappointment and concern over the increasing violence in the explosive region. The Secretary of State made clear that Finland condemns the violent interception of an aid supply convoy to Gaza in international waters and disapproves of using excess force against civilians. The incident must be analysed reliably and to the full by a neutral party. Secretary of State Torstila also made a strong appeal to end the siege of Gaza.

Further information: Helena Tuuri, Head of the Unit for the Middle East and North Africa, tel. +358 40 553 3494