For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1147
3 July 2012
UNODC Executive Director Meets Iranian Official Regarding Vice-President's Anti-Semitic Comments at an Event in Tehran on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking
VIENNA, 3 July (UN Information Service) - Soon after returning from New York, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, called for a meeting today with the Iranian chargé d'affaires about the anti-Semitic comments of Iranian Vice-President, Mohammad-Reza Rahimi at an event in Tehran on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking.
During the meeting, Mr. Fedotov expressed his dismay and serious concern about these comments. He reiterated that this was not a UN event and affirmed the earlier comments of the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, on 27th June, when he said he has "…on many occasions called on Iranian officials to refrain from these kinds of anti-Semitic statements. He does so again in response to these latest reported comments. He believes it is the responsibility of leaders to promote harmony and understanding and he deeply regrets expressions of hatred and religious intolerance."
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For further information, please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
