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Israel blocks Sierra Leone ship from sailing to Gaza

GAZA, July 8 (KUNA) -- Israel was able to block the Gaza-bound Juliano ship, carrying a flag of Sierra Leone, from sailing from Greece, Israeli public radio report said on Friday.
The radio said that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman telephoned the President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma and asked him to stop the sailing of the ship.
Lieberman claimed during the conversation that the ship, part of the freedom flotilla II aid campaign to Gaza Strip, was working "instigating" the situation.
The Israeli radio said that the President answered Lieberman call, ordering the removal of the flag, which allowed Greece authority to stop the ship from sailing.
In recent days, Greek authorities blocked the flotillah II ships from sailing to Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli siege for the past five years.
Israeli has used tremendous influence on Greece to stop the ships from sailing to Gaza. (end) mzt.mb KUNA 082124 Jul 11NNNN