Following Iranian president’s remarks calling Israel tumor that needs to be wiped out, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed condemnation on the offensive and inflammatory statements against Israel.
Mr. Ban reportedly is “dismayed” by remarks threatening Israel’s existence.
“The Secretary-General condemns these offensive and inflammatory statements.” -Mr. Ban’s spokesperson
Media reports say Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made his remarks on Friday in an address to an audience at Tehran University.
Thousands of Iranians reportedly shouted “Death to America, death to Israel” during state-organized protests on Friday.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the demonstration, telling them there was no place for the Jewish state in a future Middle East.
Mr. Ban believes that all leaders in the region should use their voices at this time to lower, rather than to escalate, tensions.
“In accordance with the United Nations Charter, all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independenc e of any State.” -Mr. Ban’s spokeperson
In addition, the United States also condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad “hateful and divisive” remarks against Israel.
The US Government reportedly also urged Iran to stop supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad’s brutal assault on the Syrian people as well.
Iran does not maintain relations with Israel. As Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said once on June 2011 that Israel was “doomed.”
Hostility started between Iran and Israel during the era of the Pahlavi dynasty to hostility since the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran has severed all diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel. However, Iran does not recognize Israel as a country. Iran refers Israel government as the “Zionist regime.” The land is referred to by Iran as “Occupied territories.”
Due to Iran’s development of nuclear technology, and funding of the groups Hamas and Hezbollah, tensions have risen between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
