The special UN envoy to Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi, claimed there was a clear link between the escalation of the situation in Iraq and Israeli policy, which he called "the biggest poison in the region," Israel Radio quoted him as saying Friday.
The spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Fred Eckhard, said it was not acceptable for a senior UN adviser to make such comments about a member nation and said the remarks do not reflect Annan's opinions, Israel Radio added.
"The biggest poison in the region is the policy of Israeli power and the suffering of the Palestinians," Brahimi was quoted as telling a French radio station. He reportedly said many people both in the Mideast and outside it share his views regarding Israel.
Brahimi was also quoted as blaming Washington for supporting Israeli policy, mainly US President George W. Bush's latest support of Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his unilateral disengagement plan. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
