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Arab EnvoysAsk UN Chief to Launch Probe of Gaza Killings

by Associated Press

   UNITED NATIONS --

   Arab ambassadors are urging the U.N. secretary-general to launch an
   independent investigation into the killing of 18 Palestinians during a
   protest march last week against a stifling decade-old Israeli blockade
   of Gaza.

   Tunisian Ambassador Mohammed Khaled Khiari heads the Arab group at the
   United Nations and he says its members welcome Secretary-General
   Antonio Guterres' call for an independent and transparent
   investigation.

   Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told reporters after a meeting
   Thursday with Guterres that the U.N. leader's response was "positive."
   Mansour says Guterres expressed serious concern at the civilian deaths.

   Mansour says both the Arab group and Guterres prefer an independent
   investigation, but the Palestinian envoys adds that there are also
   other models of fact-finding missions.