MALAYSIA CONDEMNS ATTACK, URGES SECURITY COUNCIL TO CONVENE MEETING

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Monday condemned the attack by
the Israeli defence force on the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla, which was
sailing in international waters, saying the act was "a serious breach of
international law."

"Malaysia demands Israel to immediately cease its excessive and inhumane
treatment of the activists and calls for the immediate release of the innocent
people and the ships," Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a
statement.

He also urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency
meeting to consider action against Israel and to put pressure on Israel to
immediately lift the blockade on Gaza.

Anifah said the ministry "is closely monitoring the developments as we have
Malaysians onboard."

The flotilla, originally made up of nine ships, was organised by
pro-Palestinian groups and a Turkish human rights organisation.


One of the ships, Mavi Marmara, was attacked by Israeli soldiers this
morning, near Gaza, with two Malaysians -- a journalist and a cameraman from
Astro Awani -- onboard.

Their fate is still unknown. Six Perdana Global Peace Organisation
representatives, who are in another ship, are safe.

Anifah said the government of Malaysia offers its deepest sympathies and
condolences to families of those killed and injured in the incident.

"May God grant them strength and fortitude in facing this tragedy," he said.

-- BERNAMA