In an official statement on behalf of the EU presidency, the Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg has stressed that the right to defend one's nation does not allow for actions largely affecting civilians. At the same time, the foreign minister stated that Israel's decision to send in ground forces was "not surprising". Along with negotiations towards a ceasefire, the Czech EU presidency is urging for humanitarian aide to be made available to Gaza Strip inhabitants. Mr Schwarzenberg left for the Middle East on Sunday, heading an EU mission focused on the current conflict. Other officials on the mission include EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Prior to the team's departure on Sunday, she stressed that the violence on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides needed to stop.
Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said on Sunday that a spokesman for the EU presidency, currently held by Prague, had blundered in describing Israel's ground assault in Gaza as "defensive." "It was his personal mistake," he told Czech TV, adding it was a "serious one." On Saturday Jiří Potužník, Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek's EU presidency spokesman, initially described the Israeli operation as "more defensive than offensive." and told AFP this was the position of the Czech prime minister for the European presidency. The Czech Foreign Ministry later changed tack, while Mr Potužník himself said his words had been misunderstood. The statement on Saturday was denounced by an aide close to the Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as well by the radical movement Hamas.
APA-Tripoli (Libya) The Qaddafi Foundation has announced that he would request the Libyan government to severe economic and political relations with the Czech Republic unless its Prime Minister formally apologises and withdraws his remarks regarding the Palestenians in Gaza. In a statement here on Sunday night, the head of the Qaddafi Foundation, Seif Eleslam Qaddafi, son of the Libyan leader, said the foundation had the moral responsibility to request the State of Libya to take such a measure against any offending party.
In a statement here on Sunday night, the head of the Qaddafi Foundation, Seif Eleslam Qaddafi, son of the Libyan leader, said the foundation had the moral responsibility to request the State of Libya to take such a measure against any offending party.
