HUME CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE INQUIRY INTO GAZA FLOTILLA INCIDENT

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jun 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has called for an immediate inquiry into the storming of a ship carrying aid to Gaza.

The MSP, who would have been on the ship with other politicians were it not for late date changes, spoke at a public meeting about the incident in Moffat earlier in the week.

Commenting, Jim Hume said:

"After going on a similar mission last year I was invited to join this aid flotilla to Gaza and was happy to do so.

"If there had not been delays and late changes to dates of the recent humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza from Cyprus then I would have been on that ship.

"I am no terrorist, I have only an interest in helping people where they need help- that's why I was supposed to be on the flotilla.

"My thoughts go out to those killed and hurt in the flotilla, as I believe that the people on those boats are of a similar mind to me.

"I am fully aware that this was not an episode of gun running into Gaza but was an aid mission with humanitarian purposes.

"The only crime that the flotilla could be accused of is wishing to raise the profile of the sieged Gaza Strip, and highlighting the fact that the UN itself claims that at this moment only 25% of goods needed is now getting in to Gaza.

"In my view this is not sufficient a reason for Israel to come in to International waters, board these boats and use such force on a humanitarian mission.

"Those held on the flotilla should be released and the aid should be released to the people it was intended for in the Gaza Strip.

"This has been a shocking week for me personally, and for the civilized world as a whole.

"I am personally demanding that there be a full blown investigation into what has happened and that those found guilty are held to account."

Ends.