VOA标准英语2010年-Israel Rejects Calls for International

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman briefs the media during a press conference in Jerusalem, 31 May 2010

Israel has rejected demands by the United Nations for an international investigation¹ into the deadly raid on the flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists².

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel is a mature, democratic country that is capable of conducting its own investigation. But in an interview on Israel Radio, he left the door open to foreign participation³.

"The investigation must be Israeli," he said, adding that international observers could be invited to take part.

Lieberman said he strongly supports an investigation because Israel has nothing to hide. Referring to new video released by the Israeli army, he said the foreign activists were armed with protective gear, gas masks and clubs to confront the commandos who stormed the flotilla. He described them as thugs and mercenaries.

Lieberman was also asked about Israel's plummeting⁴ relations with Turkey, which unofficially sponsored the flotilla and which has accused Israel of "state terrorism."  Eight of the nine activists killed were Turks and the other was an American of Turkish origin. Turkey, which once had warm strategic ties with Israel, has demanded an apology, but Israel's foreign minister said that will not happen.

Lieberman said Turkey bears all the blame for provoking Israel and sending armed activists to break the blockade on Gaza. He said if anyone needs to apologize, it is the Turks.
 

1 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。

2 activists   

n.（政治活动的）积极分子，活动家( activist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• His research work was attacked by animal rights activists . 他的研究受到了动物权益维护者的抨击。
• Party activists with lower middle class pedigrees are numerous. 党的激进分子中有很多出身于中产阶级下层。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

4 plummeting   

v.垂直落下，骤然跌落( plummet的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Prices are rising, falling, going up, going down, shooting up, plummeting, etc. 物价在上涨、下跌、上升、下落、猛然上涨、骤然下跌等。 来自辞典例句
• The enemy plane went plummeting into the sea. 敌机直直掉进海里。 来自辞典例句