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Last update - 13:07 25/06/2009
Cyprus prevents activists from sailing to Gaza
By The Associated Press
Tags: Blockade, Israel News, Gaza 

Cyprus' Merchant Shipping Department on Thursday prevented international activists from sailing for Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid in violation of the Israeli-led blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Department chief Sergios Sergiou said that a fishing boat and a small ferry that the Free Gaza Group were to use for the trip from Cyprus to Gaza had not undergone safety inspections which would take at least a few days to complete.

"It's a dangerous trip," Sergiou told the Associated Press. "The vessels must undergo a general inspection before they are allowed to go."
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But Free Gaza Group spokesman Ramzi Kysia said that both vessels were allowed to sail from Cyprus during the group's previous attempts to reach Gaza.

The Free Gaza Group already has made five successful boat trips from Cyprus to Gaza since August 2008. Kysia said the fishing boat sailed to the Hamas-ruled territory in August last year. The ferry set sail in January this year during Israel's three-week offensive in Gaza, but had to turn back a few hours into the trip after encountering mechanical problems.

Sergiou could not explain why the vessels were previously allowed to leave
Cyprus.

Free Gaza spokeswoman Greta Berlin said she was absolutely outraged, but that activists would not be deterred.

Around 32 people including a former U.S. congresswoman and an Irish Nobel
laureate were to sail to Gaza to deliver 3 tons of medical supplies and 15
tons of cement.

"We promised the people of Gaza we would come back and that we would not forget them," said Mairead Corrigan Maguire, who won the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize for her work with Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.


Related articles:
  • Israeli prof. joins 40 activists sailing to Gaza
  • Israel fears European ship may sail to Gaza to 'break siege'
  • Cyprus lets activists sail to Gaza, despite Israeli siege
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      1.   Well done to the Free Gaza Group 14:03  |  Nick Ferriman 25/06/09
      2.   why dont they sail from Austria instead 04:59  |  Herbert Kaine 26/06/09
      3.   why dont they sail from Austria instead 04:59  |  Herbert Kaine 26/06/09
      4.   Herbert #2 20:17  |  Anthony 26/06/09
      5.   ANTHONY Since when has Hebron belonged to the Arabs??? 18:03  |  PETER SM 27/06/09
      6.   Godspeed Free Gaza 00:58  |  Abu Justice 28/06/09
      7.   Conditional Help 03:27  |  Turkish Cypriot 28/06/09
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