The Palmer report into the events surrounding Israel's raid on the 2010 Gaza flotilla and the subsequent death of nine Turkish activists is being delayed until late August because of differences between Israel and Turkey, the United Nations has said. The report by a panel headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer was expected to be delivered to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this month and released this Wednesday. But U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said on Monday that the members of the flotilla panel have agreed to delay finalizing the report until later in the month of August. He said the decision was made after consultations between the secretary-general, the panel members and the Turkish and Israeli governments. Despite its delayed publication, the Palmer report has already been reviewed by Israel and Turkey, and its details have been widely publicized. It asserts the legality of Israels naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, but says the Israel Defense Forces used excessive force in enforcing the blockade. It also holds Turkey partly responsible for the disastrous results of the clash on the Mavi Marmara. Jerusalem has expressed satisfaction with the findings, which contend that Israel's actions were legal and legitimate and that Turkey, which sponsored the flotilla, was also to blame for the incident. Ratcheting up tensions even more, Ankara on Monday strongly condemned Israel for continuing to construct settlements in the West Bank. Israels illegal actions on the lands it has invaded are unacceptable, a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said late Monday. The Israeli Foreign Ministry refused to comment on claims that the delay was made at Israels request. The secretary-general decided to postpone the publication of the report, and he decided to consult with both sides before making the decision, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told Agence France-Presse on Monday. Meanwhile, the Turkish government has for the first time voiced the existence of its Plan B against Israel if no apology comes before a July 27 deadline. According to information obtained by Turkey's Erdogan on Saturday said it would be unthinkable to return to normal relations as long as Israel refused to apologize. Erdogan said he was waiting for Israel's response before deciding whether to implement his Plan B and visit the Gaza Strip. Senior diplomatic officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to issue a watered-down apology, for operational mistakes made during the takeover of the Marmara, a proposal that Ankara has rejected. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman opposes any form of apology to Turkey, but said on Sunday that he would not pull his Yisrael Beitenu party out of the coalition should Israel meet Turkey's demands. Improving relations with Turkey is in both sides' interest, Lieberman said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. Israel does not need to apologize, but even if there are differences of opinion on the matter, Yisrael Beitenu won't quit [the coalition].
UN delays flotilla report to give Israel, Turkey more time for talks
The report by a panel headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer was expected to be delivered to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this month and released this Wednesday.
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