Ban 'dismayed' over reported anti-Israel comments from Iranian leaders

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is “dismayed” by remarks threatening Israel's existence, attributed over the last two days to Iranian leaders, according to his spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General condemns these offensive and inflammatory statements,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson added in a statement issued on Friday night.

According to media reports, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made his remarks on Friday in an address to an audience at Tehran University, while Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had made his remarks on Wednesday.

“The Secretary-General believes that all leaders in the region should use their voices at this time to lower, rather than to escalate, tensions,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson said. “In accordance with the United Nations Charter, all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.”