Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre deplores Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s statement

“I deeply deplore the Iranian President’s statement that the State of Israel should be wiped off the map. The statement is not only preposterous, it is contrary to widely accepted international jurisprudence,” commented Mr Støre.

“The statement is a very negative signal in the current situation, where the international community is actively contributing to furthering the peace process in the Middle East and to renewing the political dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians.

“The statement could lead to Iran becoming more isolated in the international community. It could also complicate relations between Iran and the EU in connection with Iran’s nuclear programme,” added Mr Støre.