| Brazil calls on Israel to "establish full, independent and credible investigations" |
www.chinaview.cn  2009-11-05 08:29:41 |   Print |
| UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil here on Wednesday called on Israel to "establish full, independent credible investigations" into Israeli war crimes during the Gaza conflict which is backed by a UN fact-finding mission report. This statement came as Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Brazilian ambassador to the United Nations, was speaking at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly to consider the Goldstone report, which accuses both Israel and Hamas militants of war crimes during the 22-day Gaza conflict that broke out on Dec. 27, 2008. "The Israeli government and the relevant authorities in Gaza must establish full, independent and credible investigations, in conformity with international standards, into the serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law reported by the Mission," she said. "Given the responsibility of the international community to ensure accountability for infringements of international law, Brazil believes that international monitoring of those investigations is needed," Viotti said. Recognizing the "right of Israel to defend its people and territory against all kinds of aggression," she said, but "at the same time, in defending itself, Israel is bound by international law." "The Goldstone report is a particularly eloquent proof of the urgency to put an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the violations of international humanitarian law it has brought about," Viotti said. Emphasizing their support for the peace process, Viotti called on both parties "to take the measures needed to restart and sustain credible negotiations." After the debate, the GA will put to vote a draft resolution, which would call upon both Israel and Palestine to conduct "independent and credible" probes into the alleged war crimes. Israel has rejected the Goldstone report on the ground that it is "biased" and "one-sided." A four-member investigative team, led by Richard Goldstone from South Africa, found evidence that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants committed serious war crimes and breaches of humanitarian law, which may amount to crimes against humanity, during the conflict. Special Report: Palestine-Israel Conflicts
Brazil calls on Israel to "establish full, independent and credible ...Xinhua - 4 hours ago 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil here on Wednesday called on Israel to "establish full, independent credible investigations" into Israeli war crimes during the Gaza ... UN Assembly Set to Call For Probes Of Gaza War New York Times US envoy: Obama Israel's closest friend Jerusalem Post |
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