Turkish protestors accompany by boats the Mavi Marmara passenger ship during its return ceremony in Istanbul after Israel's deadly raid on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza Strip on 31 May, in Istanbul, Turkey on 26 December 2010. Israeli commandos on 31 May 2010 stormed six ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists on an aid mission to the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens after encountering unexpected resistance as the forces boarded the vessels.

The Greek Foreign ministry urged Greek citizens not to participate in the new flotilla for the port of Gaza, as well as the ships and seafaring means of the Greek shipping register.

A relevant announcement by the Foreign ministry on Wednesday calls for the appeal by the UN secretary general, the declared intention of the Israeli government not to allow the approach of vessels to the coast of Gaza, to be taken into consideration, as well as the direct dangers for human life and security entailed by participation in this undertaking, particularly in light of last year's events.

It is also pointed out that "the defining and exercising of the country's foreign policy is the responsibility of the government, with the criterion of the promotion of the interests of Greece" and "in this crucial conjuncture all must show the corresponding responsibility or fully assume the responsibility for their actions."

Moreover, it stresses that "the planned operation does not tackle the essence of the humanitarian problem in Gaza", adding that Greece and Cyprus have made specific proposals in the past in the direction of handling the humanitarian needs of the inhabitants of Gaza.

"Greece actively supports the resumption of the peace talks which constitutes the only path for an overall and viable solution of the Palestinian issue," the announcement concluded. (ANA)