Shimon Peres praises decision on Gaza flotilla

Continues the visit of Greek President in Israel

(ANA-MPA) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres on Monday thanked visiting Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias for Athens' decision to prevent the sailing of vessels attempting to break through an Israeli naval blockade of Gaza from Greek ports, according to an AFP dispatch from Jerusalem.

"Thank you for stopping the flotilla, in accordance with the recommendations of the UN Secretary General. With this action, you contributed to calming the situation and, in the final analysis, to the good of Gaza," Peres was quoted by AFP as telling the Greek president of the republic, who is on an official visit to Israel.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon, via his spokesman, had on May 27 asked of all governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas to Gaza, expressing fear of violence.

Caption: Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) and Greek President Karolos Papoulias (R) during a welcoming ceremony the former's official residence in Jerusalem on 11 July 2011. ANA-MPA /EPA/Miriam Alster