France calls Israeli raid a big mistake

France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says Israel's raid on an aid flotilla heading for Gaza was a serious mistake that damaged Israel's global reputation.

France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says Israel's raid on an aid flotilla heading for Gaza was a serious mistake that damaged Israel's global reputation.

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Kouchner is urging Israel and the Palestinians to continue indirect peace talks so that the tensions that led to the raid can be diminished.

Kouchner said on RTL radio today that the deadly raid was "a very grave mistake" and "extremely damaging to the image of Israel itself."

Nine people were killed in the assault at sea. The French foreign minister called for an international investigation, and said "there should not be impunity."

He says French activists seized during the raid are being held by Israel in "very acceptable conditions" and will be released quickly.