Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on remarks by President Ahmadinejad of Iran

“I was shocked and saddened at the reported statement by the President of Iran yesterday that Israel “should be wiped off the face of the earth”.

Immediately this morning, my officials conveyed to the Iranian Embassy in Dublin the Government's clear view that the remarks, as reported, are entirely unacceptable.  They can only have a very negative effect in a troubled region, and they contribute nothing to relations between the EU and Iran.

The President's reported statement came on the day of another horrific suicide attack in Israel, which took the lives of five people, and injured many more.  I condemn this latest attack and would like to convey the sympathies of the Government and people of Ireland to the injured and to the relatives of those killed.

The Government, and our partners in the EU, will continue to work closely with Israel and with the Palestinian Authority to ensure that they take advantage of the situation following Israel's disengagement from Gaza in order to return to full implementation of the Roadmap.  This is the only credible framework for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli – Palestinian conflict.”

ENDS+++
Press Office
27th October 2005