EU foreign policy Catherine Ashton on Thursday denounced and condemned racist and anti-Semitic statements made earlier this week by Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi at a conference on drugs trafficking in Tehran.
"The High Representative is deeply disturbed by racist and anti-Semitic statements made by Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi at the UN "International Day against Drug Abuse" in Tehran on Tuesday 27 June. She condemns them unreservedly," a statement from Ashton’s spokesperson said on Thursday.
"Such statements are unacceptable and should not be tolerated. The High Representative reiterates the European Union's absolute commitment to combating racism and anti-Semitism," it added.
Rahimi launched his attack on the Jewish book of law, the Talmud, at the UN-sponsored conference on the narcotics trade in the presence of several foreign diplomats.
"The spread of narcotics in the world emanates from the teachings of the Talmud... whose objective is the destruction of the world," Rahimi said in comments published by the official website of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as well as state media.
"The Talmud teaches that it is lawful to acquire wealth through legal and illegal means... which gives (the Jews) the right to destroy humanity," he said.
Earlier UN Secretary General leader Ban Ki-moon criticized the Iranian leader's comments which have already been strongly condemned by Israel and Jewish groups.
"The secretary general has on many occasions called on Iranian officials to refrain from these kinds of anti-Semitic statements. He does so again in response to these latest reported comments," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.
"He believes it is the responsibility of leaders to promote harmony and understanding and he deeply regrets expressions of hatred and religious intolerance," Nesirky added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed the Iranian government for being "anti-Semitic fanatics" who seek the destruction of Israel. He also criticized the presence of Western representatives at the conference.

by: Yossi Lempkowicz

EJP