Steny Hoyer: “on Wednesday, the new President of Iran made comments that chillingly confirm the hate, intolerance and militant intent…”

“on Wednesday, the new President of Iran made comments that chillingly confirm the hate, intolerance and militant intent to destroy Israel and her people that is shared by too many in the Arab world. Speaking to 4,000 students at a conference called ``The World Without Zionism,'' the Iranian leader declared, ``Israel must be wiped off the map.'' He went on to say, ``Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic Nations' fury.'' This Congress and the American people and all civilized, freedom- loving people around the world must emphatically and unequivocally denounce these poisonous comments as outrageous incitement to international criminal acts. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, we just passed a resolution a little over an hour ago unanimously expressing that sentiment. All who seek international security, stability and respect for the rule of law must collectively and publicly reject these comments of the President of Iran, and not only reject them, but condemn them as well. The silence in too many of the Arab capitals loudly testifies to the sympathy with which such despicable remarks were received. I am pleased, however, very pleased, that the prominent Palestinian negotiator Mr. Erekat reportedly told the media, ``We have recognized the State of Israel. We do not accept the statements of the President of Iran. This is unacceptable.'' That was said by one of the major Palestinian leaders. I congratulate him for those comments.…”