InfoAnda - Czech EU spokesman sorry for calling Israeli action 'defensive'

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Karzai urges Afghans to vote, ignore Taliban | 18 September 2010
Chile Collahuasi, workers meet to seek strike end | | 30 November 2010
Return of Deadliest Catch trio still uncertain | | 5 October 2010

Alibaba to pay $140 million special dividend | 11 December 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Czech EU spokesman sorry for calling Israeli action 'defensive'

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Czech EU spokesman sorry for calling Israeli action 'defensive' AFP - Monday, January 5 BRUSSELS (AFP) - - A spokesman for the new Czech EU presidency on Sunday apologised after describing Israel's ground assault in Gaza as "more defensive than offensive". The apology came after Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg described the original comments as "a very serious mistake" but sought draw a line under the affair. Jiri Frantisek Potuznik, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek's EU presidency spokesman, issued a statement that was published on the website of the Czech presidency of the EU. "I would like to apologise for the misunderstanding which occurred on January 3, 2009 about the reaction of the Czech Presidency to the actions of the Israeli ground forces in the Gaza Strip according to which the operations were seen as an act of self-defence," he wrote of his comments the day before. On Saturday he had said: "At the moment from our perspective we do understand that the action is part of the defensive action of Israel (...) we do understand that it is more defensive than offensive." That first statement was hastily followed by another from the Czech foreign ministry, swiftly changing tack. It said: "Even the indisputable right of the state to defend itself does not allow actions which largely affect civilians. "We call for the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, and ... for the establishment of a ceasefire," Schwarzenberg said in that statement. On Sunday, Schwarzenberg told reporters the Czech Republic had nothing to apologise for: "It was a personal error, it happens to everyone, that happened to me too when I was young." Potuznik "has accepted responsibility, which is right. Full stop," he added. Schwarzenberg was speaking as he prepared to fly out of Prague to head a high-level EU delegation to the Middle East to seek a ceasefire. Nevertheless it was an embarrassing gaffe for the Czech EU presidency, which only took over the European Union reins on January 1 for a six-month term. To avoid any further confusion, Potuznik's apology included the phrase "The only official standpoint of the Czech EU Presidency," twice in bold letters, referring to the foreign ministry statement. Even in the agreed official version the Czech EU presidency stated that: "It is not surprising that the Israeli forces have launched land operations in the Gaza Strip." "There were indications that Israel had been considering this step," it added. The European Union ministerial delegation set off from Prague on Sunday, first stop Cairo, with meetings planned with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. "We are terribly concerned about the situation in Gaza, particularly the humanitarian situation," EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner told reporters at Prague airport. "It is absolutely necessary that the violence has to stop on both sides." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World Israeli troops and tanks slice deep into GazaAP - 30 minutes ago Woman suicide bomber kills 35 near Baghdad shrineAFP - 37 minutes ago Thousands in Lebanon, Turkey protest Israel attackAP - 41 minutes ago Richardson withdraws bid to be commerce secretaryAP - 46 minutes ago Grandma, guardsman, girl: War's toll felt at homeAP - 53 minutes ago Enlarge Photo Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek speaks during an interview to AFP in 2008, at the government headquarters in Prague. A spokesman for the new Czech EU presidency on Sunday apologised after describing Israel's ground assault in Gaza as "more defensive than offensive". Most Popular – World Viewed US steel industry in collapse, eyes government aid: report Israeli army storms Gaza as Palestinian toll passes 500 Rare Bugatti untouched for 50 years could fetch millions: report World's oldest person dies at the age of 115 John Travolta's teenage son dies, autopsy planned View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Monday, 5 January 2009
Israeli troops and tanks slice deep into Gaza
Thousands in Lebanon, Turkey protest Israel attack
World's top gadget show plugging into the Internet
Russia seeks EU monitoring as Ukraine gas dispute intensifies
Gunmen seize oil services vessel off Nigeria: sources | International |
Female bomber at Shiite shrine in Baghdad kills 38
Macworld cult gathering without iconic Apple leader
Ukraine urges Russia to stop gas supply 'manipulation'
Analysis: In Gaza, Israel tries to excise Lebanon
Somali kidnappers release Westerners | International |
Israeli army storms Gaza as Palestinian toll passes 500
Czech EU spokesman sorry for calling Israeli action 'defensive'
Spirit and Opportunity rovers mark five years on Mars
Government gets control of Sons of Iraq in Diyala
World's top gadget show plugging into the Internet
Worldwide alarm at Israeli ground offensive
In tough times, Vegas gadget show gets smaller | Technology |
Gaza crisis forces Rice to cancel China trip
Obama's commerce pick Richardson bows out
Sri Lanka pushes ahead with war on rebels
Cheney: Israel not seek US OK before invasion
Series of quakes hit Indonesia, killing 4
Fallen Wood Panels Injure 11 Diners At Posh Boston Restaurant
Report says 43 Sri Lankan soldiers killed
New Mexico Gov. Richardson Under Investigation, Withdraws From Commerce Secretary Consideration
12-Year-Old Found Guilty Of Murdering His Mother
Seven dead in Pakistan suicide blast: officials
S’porean quits banking job to mobilise "Gracious Movement"
Aniston, Pitt reunited atop box office | Entertainment |
Travolta heartbroken over son's death | Entertainment |
Travolta says he's heartbroken over son's death
Veteran actor Pat Hingle dies at 84 in NC home
Dubai dream turns sour as job losses mount
Earthquake rattles Afghanistan, Pakistan
Gaza civilians suffer as Israel troops tighten grip | International |
China's young generation gets thrifty in gloomy economy | International |
Obama heads to Washington, grapples with cabinet headache
Singapore Petroleum reviewing 2 projects
Samsung mulls slashing 2009 chip investment: report | Technology |
Tokyo stock index rises above 9,000 level
Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan
Seoul shares open higher as banks, autos advance
New Jersey Firefighter Killed By Fire Truck
NZ electronic card sales down 2.3 pct in November
Massive 11 tonne bread readied for traditional Mexico party
'Marley and Me' still top dog at North America box office
'Monsters vs. Aliens' gets 3D Super Bowl promo
Israeli army moves on Gaza City as war toll passes 510
India says hands over Mumbai evidence to Pakistan | International |
Dark and cold Gaza waits for help as Israel steps up war
UN chief to meet Arab ministers on Gaza
Guatemala landslide kills at least 22 | International |
John Travolta 'heartbroken' over son's death
New Mugabe government by late February: state media
Obama, lawmakers to discuss economic plan
LG high-def TVs to stream Netflix videos directly
Eagles, Ravens advance in NFL playoffs
Hefty challenges await Bangladesh PM-elect
LG, Netflix to launch TVs with instant movie viewing | Technology |
Sri Lanka troops keep up assault on last Tamil Tiger bases: army
India hands evidence on Mumbai attacks to Pakistan: minister
CORRECTED
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,221
S.Korea to launch weekly economic crisis meeting
India gives Pakistan evidence over Mumbai attacks
S.Korea won up on firmer stocks, FX reserves data
Sri Lanka honors troops fighting rebels
Forget recession: Tuna fetches top yen in Japan
Senior US diplomat in Pakistan for talks on India tensions
Growth in private cars, motorbikes slows in China: government
Pakistan: 3 bodies found, Taliban suspected
Japan's parliament opens amid pressure for polls
Asian stocks rally on recovery hopes
SKorea's opposition downscales parliament sit-in
Pakistani c.bank sells 10 bln rupees of T-bills
Eight Dead In Louisiana Helicopter Crash
Detained Chinese writer allowed meeting with wife
Fund to aid S.Korea banks needs to be ready by Feb -report
Seoul shares end up as banks, autos fly
S.Korea studied yuan as FX reserve currency -media
Taiwan sells 91-day T-bills at 0.66 percent yield
New Year brings TV time slot tussles | Entertainment |
Scrubs brings hospital hijinks to ABC | Entertainment |
Indonesian president's party shoots up in polls: report
Robot, panda vie for Oscar slot with third cartoon | Entertainment |
Madagascar races to $340 million overseas | Entertainment |
Hollywood closes off record foreign sales year
LG high-def TVs to stream Netflix videos directly
ABC's hidden cameras back for another season
Hollywood closes off record foreign sales year
Israelis relieved as army moves to halt rockets
Russia-Ukraine gas dispute hits supplies to Balkans | International |
Mugabe set to form government in February: report | International |
SKorea's Samsung says unveils word's slimmest TV
Japan PM woes grow as MP threatens to quit party | International |
South Korean opposition MPs ready to discuss reforms | International |
John Travolta Opens Up About His Fight To Save His Son's Life
U.S. opens new Iraq embassy in symbolic move | International |
Closure of Nobel winner's office legal issue: Iran | International |
SKorea's Samsung says unveils word's slimmest TV
Bus crash kills 15 people in southwest China
Japanese sailor lost off whaling ship in Antarctic
Premium tuna fetches $100,000 in Tokyo auction
Dolby makes push to bring 3-D home | Technology |
India gives Pakistan evidence over Mumbai attacks
Philippines aborts Gaza rescue plan: official
Consumers still wary of China—made milk products
Japan auto executives hope for US recovery
Denver Schools Superintendent Appointed To U.S. Senate
Top Abu Dhabi officials to discuss public governance in Singapore
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine Said To Be Next Head Of Democratic Party
Hong Kong's main stock index rises 3.5 percent
Former Ren Ci Hospital’s CEO, assistant to go on trial in April
Minnesota Officials Expected To Name Al Franken As Senate Recount Winner Monday
Foreign investment in Myanmar soars
Bus crash kills 13 people in southwest China
S.Korea says KNOC reviews several oil firms for M&A
China targets Google in crackdown on pornography
China has leeway to adjust monetary policy: senior official
S.Korea KDB says to support Ssangyong Motor
Japan auto sales fall to 34-year low in 2008: industry group
FACTBOX-South Korea's faltering economic reforms
China shares up on government support plans
Travolta heartbroken over son's death | Entertainment |
Forest Whitaker eyes Expendables with Stallone | Entertainment |
David E. Kelley goes Mad for English actress | Entertainment |
USA picks up new series Royal Pains | Entertainment |
Danish writer Inger Christensen dies at age 73
Wakin Chau fulfills dream of singing on the roof
Friend says, Ai Iijima running high fever before death
5566 to Dissolve, New Faces to Take Over
Karena Lam "Snoops" Hong Kong Film Awards
Japan races to build a zero-emission car
North-south security divide could sway Afghan vote | International |
Tom Cruise May Be Sued For Copying Fuehrer's Globe In "Valkyrie"
U.N. urges nations to accept Guantanamo detainees | International |
Steve Jobs has "hormone imbalance," to stay on as Apple CEO
Gunmen seriously wound policeman in Greece shooting | International |
Sri Lanka pile on huge lead in Bangladesh Test
The Inaugural Purple Ball Will Bring Out A Host Of Celebrities For Charity
Heather Locklear Placed On Probation After Pleading No Contest To Reckless Driving Charge
Bleak economic outlook forecast for 2009 despite US hopes
DJ AM Denies Suing Deceased Pilots' Estates
In tough times, Vegas CES gets smaller | Technology |
Sri Lanka's military captures key rebel town
Apple's Jobs acknowledges weight loss, remains CEO | Technology |
Cigarette butt found in Eu Yan Sang herbs
Families of 2 Singaporeans killed in pub blaze in Bangkok
Ssangyong gets $45 million from its Chinese parent
Oil slips as global economic worries re-emerge
1 in 5 considering leaving Hong Kong due to pollution: survey
Nepali students protest religious appointments
Wholesalers dealing in dried seafood say business has been poor
Survey shows most firms still hiring fresh graduates
Slim Pickings For Diet Marketers Foreseen For 2009
Former Hillary Campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe To Launch Bid For VA Gov.
Taliban whopper: claim 5,220 foreign troops killed
Japan PM faces defiance as parliament meets
Bleak Year Forecast For Hotel Industry
Thousands rally in NKorea in support of military
Obama Stimulus May Have $300 Billion In Tax Cuts; President-Elect To Meet With Lawmakers Monday
About 3 Million U.S. Homes Likely To Be Foreclosed In 2009
Increasing Number Of Home Schooled Children Observed
Elder Bush Says Son Jeb Qualified For Presidency
8 Killed In Upstate NY Fire; Two-Story House Lacked Fire Alarms
California Authorities Seek Man Responsible For Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed Woman, Unborn Child
Mandatory Testing For Lead, Phthalates To Pose Problems For Distributors Of Children's Used Clothes
Funeral held for `Star Trek' actress Roddenberry
Universal sells Rogue to financing partner
Lenovo Unveils Dual-Screen Notebook
LG Electronics Develops TV That Downloads Netflix Movies
Student Dressed As WWII-Era German Soldier Shot, Killed By Seattle Police
12-Year-Old Guilty Of Murdering Mom, Shot 8 Times Following Argument
Fallen Wood Panels Injure Diners At Fancy Boston Restaurant
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01