NATO position unclear

Submitted by myth (Germany), Jun 11, 2010 at 06:53

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_63966.htm?mode=pressrelease

NATO press release about the "Gaza ship incident" says: "NATO is deeply concerned about the loss of life in this incident. We look forward to a further establishment of the facts of what has happened" My comment is that NATO ignores the fact that at least two NATO member states acted in the "incident": Turkey obviously and Germany had two MPs on board of the ship. a longer press release follows:

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_63983.htm?mode=pressrelease

"I would like to express my deep regret over the loss of lives and the other casualties resulting from the use of force during the incident involving the convoy sailing to Gaza. I offer sincere condolences to the families of all victims and condemn the acts which have led to this tragedy. I add my voice to the calls by the United Nations and the European Union for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation into the incident. As a matter of urgency, I also request the immediate release of the detained civilians and ships held by Israel."

My comment: this was hardly a tragedy but a planned adventure that deliberately risked loss of life. I find it remarkable that the statement mentions the EU and UN, not NATO. Why don't they ask for the immediate release of detained civilians from NATO member states first ? Using the word "impartial" is inadequate to me because an alliance such as NATO is obliged to be partial. The statement does not mention Turkey at all. I see it as a "matter of urgency" to instruct Turkey to stop provoking Israel in order not to drag NATO into conflicts.

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