Iran: Berlusconi's remarks, uncalled for

Sat, 20 Sep 2008

Iran has sharply criticized the Italian premiere over his comments about President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's critical stance toward Israel. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, said Silvio Berlusconi's remarks about President Ahmadinejad were 'uncalled for' and 'unbefitting' of the Italian nation. Silvio Berlusconi had censured Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for praising the Palestinian resistance against Israel. Berlusconi said the 'world must pay the utmost attention to someone who says that Israel must be wiped off the map.' Israel considers Iran a threat to its existence and security after alleged statements by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that 'Israel should be wiped off the map'. Iran has repeatedly stated that President Ahmadinejad's remarks were grossly mistranslated and taken out of context. In a July press conference after a D8 summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Ahmadinejad said 'Iran has no plans to attack Israel', adding that 'the illegal regime would disintegrate on its own'.