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18/02/2010
Govt Probes Israeli Reps
Israeli ambassadors have met with Foreign Office ministers in Britain and Ireland after it was revealed alleged Israeli assassins duped authorities with fake UK and Irish passports.
The 11 people are believed to have executed Palestinian militant Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in January, having obtained forged European travel documents.
Israel has said there is no proof its secret service, Mossad, was involved.
Tories have called on the British Government to reveal when it became aware of the breach.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered a probe into the forging and use of UK passports.
Police in Dubai have been investigating Mr Mabhouh's murder and suggested 11 "agents with European passports" killed the Hamas commander.
Israel's foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman refused to discuss security matters.
"There is no reason to think that it was the Israeli Mossad and not some other intelligence service or country up to some mischief," he told a state radio station.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague has said there are reports Gulf police attempted to contract British authorities over the matter at the end of last month.
"I would like to know when the government, when the prime minister, when the foreign secretary were informed about it and what action they decided to take then," he said.
Yesterday a UK Foreign Office spokesperson commented on the Emirati investigation and defrauding of British passports, stressing the need for a full investigation.
He said thiswill be lead by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in close cooperation with the Emirati authorities.
"The Government is involved in a number of strands of ongoing activity in relation to this specific case," said the official.
"First, we are providing support to the British Nationals who have been affected by this fraudulent activity. The British Embassy in Tel Aviv is contacting the affected British Nationals, and stands ready to provide them with the support that they need.
"Second, as the Prime Minister has said, we need to ensure a full investigation is carried out into the fraudulent use of these passports. The Serious Organised Crime Agency will lead this investigation, in close co-operation with the Emirati authorities."
He continued: "Third, given the links to Israel of a number the British Nationals affected, there will be a meeting between the FCO Permanent Under Secretary and the Israeli Ambassador."
(PR/BMcC)
The 11 people are believed to have executed Palestinian militant Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in January, having obtained forged European travel documents.
Israel has said there is no proof its secret service, Mossad, was involved.
Tories have called on the British Government to reveal when it became aware of the breach.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered a probe into the forging and use of UK passports.
Police in Dubai have been investigating Mr Mabhouh's murder and suggested 11 "agents with European passports" killed the Hamas commander.
Israel's foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman refused to discuss security matters.
"There is no reason to think that it was the Israeli Mossad and not some other intelligence service or country up to some mischief," he told a state radio station.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague has said there are reports Gulf police attempted to contract British authorities over the matter at the end of last month.
"I would like to know when the government, when the prime minister, when the foreign secretary were informed about it and what action they decided to take then," he said.
Yesterday a UK Foreign Office spokesperson commented on the Emirati investigation and defrauding of British passports, stressing the need for a full investigation.
He said thiswill be lead by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in close cooperation with the Emirati authorities.
"The Government is involved in a number of strands of ongoing activity in relation to this specific case," said the official.
"First, we are providing support to the British Nationals who have been affected by this fraudulent activity. The British Embassy in Tel Aviv is contacting the affected British Nationals, and stands ready to provide them with the support that they need.
"Second, as the Prime Minister has said, we need to ensure a full investigation is carried out into the fraudulent use of these passports. The Serious Organised Crime Agency will lead this investigation, in close co-operation with the Emirati authorities."
He continued: "Third, given the links to Israel of a number the British Nationals affected, there will be a meeting between the FCO Permanent Under Secretary and the Israeli Ambassador."
(PR/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
