Israeli ambassador asks UN chief to call on all states to stop aid flotilla

            Israel's Ambassador to the UN Meron Reuben has handed Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon a letter requesting that he calls on all countries involved in planning another aid flotilla to Gaza in May to abort the idea. The so-called Freedom Flotilla is due to leave Turkey and comprise some 1,000 activists from dozens of countries on 15 vessels headed by the Mavi Marmara, which was raided by IDF commandos last year en route to Gaza. (21,00)