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WASHINGTON (October 31, 2005) – The chairman of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops’ International Policy Committee today
protested “in the strongest possible terms” the recent comments of the
president of Iran calling for the destruction of Israel.
“Such declarations by a head of state undermine the quest for peace and
threaten the stability of an already tense region,” said Bishop John H.
Ricard, SSJ, of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
On October 26, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmandinejad called for the
termination of the State of Israel, and later defended his comments
despite protests from the United States, Europe and Russia.
“We support the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and
security,” said Bishop Ricard. “We also support the right of
Palestinians to an independent and viable state. Israelis and
Palestinians deserve the support and encouragement of their neighbors as
they struggle for a just peace.”
The full text of Bishop Ricard’s statement follows:
“We protest in the strongest possible terms the recent remarks of
President Mahmoud Ahmandinejad of Iran calling for the destruction of
the State of Israel. Such declarations by a head of state undermine the
quest for peace and threaten the stability of an already tense region.
“We support the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and
security. We also support the right of Palestinians to an independent
and viable state. Israelis and Palestinians deserve the support and
encouragement of their neighbors as they struggle for a just peace.
“It must be clear. A decent and just future for the Palestinians cannot
be advanced without clear recognition of the state of Israel and a
commitment to its security. Likewise, a secure future for Israelis
depends upon justice for the Palestinians, including a secure state of
their own.
“President Ahmandinejad’s comments fail to recognize that the fates of
the peoples of the Middle East are all linked. Leaders of the region
should reject violent rhetoric and instead focus constructively on the
significant challenges to justice and peace that exist in and between
countries throughout the region.”
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