Trimble remains 'silent' over Israel probe role
FORMER Ulster Unionist leader Lord Trimble was remaining tight-lipped last night regarding his proposed role as a foreign observer in Israel's inquiry into the Gaza flotilla raid.
It was reported yesterday that the former first minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate had been asked by the Middle East state to oversee an investigation into last month's incident, which made headlines around the world.
Nine people were killed by Israeli troops as pro-Palestinian peace activists, carrying humanitarian aid, attempted to break an Israeli blockade on Gaza.
While the Israeli government has rejected calls for an international inquiry, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced its intention at the weekend to set up its own independent investigation.
Lord Trimble was named as one of two so-called foreign observers, alongside retired Canadian military prosecutor Ken Watkin.
The three-man panel is to be headed by ex-Supreme Court judge Yaakov Tirkel.
The Israeli prime minister's bureau said that "in light of the unique international aspects of the event, it was decided to enlist two foreign observers who are world renowned in the legal, military and human rights fields".
It is thought Lord Trimble and Mr Watkin would take part in the commission's hearings and meetings, but would have no voting powers.
A final decision on the proposal was expected to be taken by the Israeli cabinet last night.
When contacted by the News Letter yesterday, Lord Trimble said: "I am not commenting on the issue at all."
The former Upper Bann MP, who played a pivotal role in securing the Good Friday Agreement during his tenure as UUP leader between 1995 to 2005, has spoken about conflict resolution in the Middle East in the past.
A UUP spokesperson welcomed Israel's decision to invite Lord Trimble to oversee any investigation.
"Given David Trimble's long-standing interest in the Middle East, and knowledge of the region and its politics, he is well-equipped for such a process," she said.
"Likewise, given Lord Trimble's experience of security and peace process issues from his work in Northern Ireland, and his international reputation as a politician who understands difficult and complex situations, this move is to be welcomed."
However, Sinn Fein MLA Carl N Chuiln questioned Lord Trimble's impartiality, given he is one of the leading figures in the "Friends of Israel Initiative", she claimed.
Earlier this month, an aid ship containing Ulster-born peace activist Mairead Corrigan-Maguire was prevented from reaching Gaza by Israeli troops.
In a joint statement issued following a meeting in Luxembourg yesterday, EU foreign leaders stressed an "immediate, full and impartial inquiry" into the events of May 31 was essential.
It added: "To command the confidence of the international community this should include credible international participation."
See Morning View, page 14
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
