New York, 12 August 2010 – Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on behalf of the Secretary-General's Panel of Inquiry on the 31 May Flotilla Incident

The Panel convened in New York for two full days on 10 and 11 August. Its members met with the Secretary-General who outlined the nature of the task he envisaged for them. The Panel began its substantive discussions on how it will conduct its work. It also met with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ secretariat bodies to ensure that administrative arrangements and support are either in train or have been established. The discussions were conducted with good cooperation and in a positive atmosphere. The members of the Panel will meet together again in early September. The Panel will strive to produce for the Secretary-General an interim report on 15 September.