Secretary-General Condemns ‘Offensive and Inflammatory’ Statements Attributed

To Iranian Leaders, Threatening Israel’s Existence

 

The following statement was issued on 17 August by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is dismayed by the remarks threatening Israel’s existence attributed over the last two days to the Supreme Leader and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The Secretary-General condemns these offensive and inflammatory statements.

The Secretary-General believes that all leaders in the region should use their voices at this time to lower, rather than to escalate, tensions.  In accordance with the United Nations Charter, all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

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For information media • not an official record