Iranian President's Declarations Amount to a Propaganda for War

Iranian President’s Declarations Amount to a Propaganda for War

28/10/2005

Press release

Iran

The FIDH expresses its indignation about the recent declarations made by Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in which he declared that "Israel should be wiped off the map" and warned leaders of Muslim nations who recognised the state of Israel that they faced "the wrath of their own people".
FIDH vigorously recall that such declarations are in blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and in particular Article 2 which requires « all Members [to] refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state ».

In addition, the FIDH urge the Iranian authorities to abide by article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ratified by Iran which states that « any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law. Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law. »

« Those declarations - which in some circumstances could amount to a crime - encourage hatred and feed fanaticism and violence. » said Sidiki Kaba, President of the FIDH and Karim Lahidji, Vice-president of FIDH and President of the Iranian League for the Defence of Human Rights.
FIDH reiterates its vigorous call in favor of the effective implementation of International law and safe and respectful co-existence of the States of Israel and Palestine.