Jan 27, 2009, 6:33 PM

Iran summons Egyptian diplomat over aid ship to Gaza

Iran summons Egyptian diplomat over aid ship to Gaza

TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – Iran on Tuesday summoned Abdol-Meguid El-Zayat, the head of Egypt’s Interest Section in Iran, to the Foreign Ministry to protest over the Egyptian government’s refusal to allow the Iranian aid ship to dock at the Egyptian port of Al-Areesh.

After the Israeli military intercepted the Iranian Red Crescent vessel which was loaded with 2000 tons of humanitarian aid including food and medical supplies destined for the Gaza Strip on January 14 the officials said the aid may be delivered via Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the action by the Zionist regime comes as no “surprise” to the international community as Israel has a history of numerous criminal acts against the Palestinian nation, but the fact that Cairo has denied the Iranian ship the permission to dock is “unjustifiable”.

 

The move by Egypt comes as the worst-hit areas in the Gaza Strip after Israel's three-week offensive look as if they have been hit by a strong earthquake, aid agencies say.

 

Correspondents in Gaza City say entire neighborhoods have been flattened and bodies are still being recovered.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it is necessary that the Egyptian government provide a “final response” soon.

 

El-Zayat said he will announce his country’s response within 24 hours.   

 

 

SL/PA

END

MNA

 

 

News ID 32012

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