Report on killing of Turkish flotilla activists delayed again by UN - no reason given

(Reuters) - The United Nations on Monday confirmed that the release of a U.N. report on a deadly Israeli raid that killed nine Turks aboard a pro-Palestinian activist ship last year would be postponed until late August.

U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky gave no specific date for the much-delayed report, which Israeli officials said on Sunday was now expected on August 20, a Saturday.

U.N. officials had originally suggested the report by a four-man inquiry panel could be finalized in February, then April and most recently, in late July.

Asked about the latest statements by Israeli officials, Nesirky told reporters: "The members of the flotilla panel agreed to delay finalizing the report until later in the month of August." He gave no reason for the delay.

The U.N. report on the May 2010 Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara as it tried to breach the blockade on the Gaza Strip at the head of an aid flotilla has become a headache for Israel, which has been resisting Turkish demands for an apology. more