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Re-site Israel, says Ahmadinejad

Robert Tait

Iranian President casts doubts on Jewish Holocaust

Teheran: Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reignited the controversy provoked by his recent calls for Israel to be ``wiped off the map'' on Thursday by casting doubt on the historical authenticity of the Holocaust and demanding that an alternative Jewish homeland be established in Europe.

In remarks sure to spark renewed outrage, Mr. Ahmadinejad told journalists at an international Islamic conference in Mecca: ``Some European countries insist on saying that Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in furnaces and they insist on it to the extent that if anyone proves something contrary to that they condemn that person and throw them in jail. Although we do not accept this claim, if we suppose it is true, our question for the Europeans is: "Is the killing of innocent Jewish people by Hitler the reason for their support to the occupiers of Jerusalem?"

"Onus on Europe"

``If the Europeans are honest they should give some of their provinces in Europe — like in Germany, Austria or other countries — to the Zionists and the Zionists can establish their state in Europe.'' Mr. Ahmadinejad sparked international condemnation with his call for Israel to be eliminated recently in Teheran. He was re-stating the position held by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, spiritual leader of the Islamic revolution, who said Israel should be abolished.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said: ``It just further underscores our concerns about the regime in Iran and it's all the more reason why it's so important that the regime not have the ability to develop nuclear weapons.'' — © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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