finds the U.N. Security Council statement condemning President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over his Hitler-like call for Israel to be "wiped off the map" unacceptable:
In its defiant statement on Saturday, 's foreign ministry said: "The declaration published by the Security Council - proposed by the Zionist regime to cover its crimes and give an image at odds with reality - is unacceptable."
[. . .]
However, the foreign ministry went on to say was committed to its engagements based on the UN charter.
"It has never used force against a second country or threatened the use of force," it said.
The BBC's Frances Harrison says this is the first time has indicated it has no intention of attacking Israel. I don't find the ian Foriegn Ministry's statement, at least to the extent reported by the BBC to be an indication that has "no intention of attacking Israel." I take President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's belligerent call for Israel to be "wiped off the map" to be a clear expression of 's intent with regard to Israel. Especially considering the fact that the ian president continues to defend his call for Israel's destruction.
So exactly what is it that finds "unacceptable?" Here is the condemnation issued by the Security Council:
The members of the Security Council condemn the remarks about Israel attributed to H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of .
The members of the Security Council support the Secretary-General’s statement of 27 October noting that, under the United Nations Charter, all Members have undertaken to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.
Secretary-General Annan's 27 October statement expressed dismay over Ahmadinejad's call for Israel to be wiped off the map:
The Secretary-General has read with dismay the remarks about Israel attributed to H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of .
He reminds all Member States that Israel is a long-standing member of the United Nations with the same rights and obligations as every other member. He recalls in particular that, under the United Nations Charter, all members have undertaken to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
The Secretary-General had already decided to visit during the next few weeks, to discuss other issues. He now intends to place the Middle East peace process, and the right of all states in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force, at the top of his agenda for that visit.
Coming after Israel's call to expell from the United Nations, the diplomatic pressure may be "unacceptable" to . Combined, Annan's "intention" to adjust his agenda and the Security Council's "condemnation" constitute only a good first step in the right direction. Ahmadinejad hasn't backed off from his statement, but continues to defend it. Diplomatic pressure must be ramped up until Ahmadinejad retracts and apologizes for the Hitler-like call to destroy Israel. must be made to feel like a pariah until it admits it is its president's statement that is "unacceptable."
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