U.S. spokesperson says Turkey assured warships won't escort fresh Gaza flotilla

WASHINGTON (A.A) - A spokesperson with the U.S. State Department has said Turkish government had given assurances that its warships would not accompany two boats in a fresh attempt to send Gaza an aid flotilla. "The concern was some of this press reporting that there were Turkish warships accompanying this flotilla, and we were told quite emphatically by the Turkish Government that that was not the case. We've been clear to them that we think that that would be an extremely bad idea, and they've now reassured us that that is not what they are doing," Victoria Nuland told Thursday a daily press briefing.     Nuland said the U.S. view on the flotilla activity had not changed, adding, they renewed warning to U.S. citizens not to involve themselves in the activity. Separately, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for restraint over the new flotilla attempt. "The secretary general urges all related sides to act responsibly and show restraint to avoid any negative incident," said Eduardo Del Buey, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief. Nine Turkish nationals were killed when Israeli commandos raided Mavi Marmara, the lead vessel in a six-ship Gaza-bound aid flotilla last year in May.    The raid has drawn widespread reaction and condemnation from the international community. The incident also sent Turkish-Israel relations to a historic low. Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel, downsizing level of diplomatic relations to second-secretary. Turkey also cancelled all military agreements, saying relations would not normalize unless Israel made an official apology for the attack, paid redress to the families of the victims, and halt the blockade on Gaza.