Pelosi Condemns Abhorrent Remarks by Iranian President
Pelosi Condemns Abhorrent Remarks by Iranian President
Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi inserted the following statement into the Congressional Record in support of H.Res.523, Condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmandinejad's threats against Israel. The resolution passed unanimously today:
"Mr. Speaker, I strongly condemn the abhorrent remarks made this week by the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmandinejad, which reinforce concerns that his election created a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East. I salute my colleagues, Mr. Lantos and Mr. Hyde, for bringing this resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives.
"The declaration by the President of Iran that "Israel must be wiped off the map" deserves the strong condemnation it has received from the United States and other members of the international community. It is particularly troubling that Mr. Ahmandinejad made these outrageous comments to an audience of students. In a region in which hatred has produced so much hardship and suffering, it is the examples of peace and tolerance that must be promoted to youngest generations.
"Mr. Ahmandinejad's words demand a clear and unequivocal response from the United Nations. Iran must be met with international rebuke, particularly as it refuses to renounce efforts that may lead to the production of nuclear weapons. I urge the countries that have been reluctant to confront directly the problems posed by Iran to reassess their positions and join in a strong effort aimed at changing Iranian policy. The need for such an effort could not be more evident.
"If Mr. Ahmandinejad believes that his words will somehow weaken the support of the United States for the State of Israel, he could not be more mistaken. His reckless comments have precisely the opposite effect, not only in the United States but throughout the civilized world. The United States stands with Israel and will defend Israel's right to exist. That is a reality which Mr. Ahmandinejad would do well to remember as he considers how to improve the lives and the futures of the people of Iran."
http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1250