25 August 2006
Before leaving for a visit of the Middle East, including Iran, United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan has condemned any form of anti-Semitism. Everyone who was trying to deny that the Holocaust happened or spreading lies about it had to be regarded as a fanatic, Annan's spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday in New York, responding to a journalist's question on whether or not Annan would also talk about the controversial Holocaust "cartoons" currently on show in Tehran. Although Annan was for a universal right to free speech, this had to be used in a responsible manner and without inciting hatred against individuals or groups. Annan canceled a scheduled trip to Iran last November after the newly elected Iranian president Ahmadinejad first called for the elimination of Israel. Annan's decision then was influenced by an appeal from Congressman Tom Lantos, a personal friend who was saved from the Holocaust by the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, the uncle of Annan's wife. Diplomats expect Annan to urge Iran to rein in Hezbollah, which is said to be financing it. He is also likely to ask Syria to stop interfering in Lebanon and ensure that it does not become conduit for supply to arms to militants groups in Lebanon. The UN chief will begin his trip in Brussels where he will attend a meeting of European foreign ministers being held to organize troops for the expanded UN mission in Lebanon.
