Sherrod Brown: “on October 26, 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that ``Israel must be wiped off the map.'' It is…”

“on October 26, 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that ``Israel must be wiped off the map.'' It is shocking and unbelievable that the leader of any nation would call for the complete destruction of another. These types of threats cannot stand unanswered. I join my colleagues today in condemning the president of Iran's remarks in the strongest of terms. While the peace process has been moving along in the Middle East without much participation from the Bush administration, Iran continues to pursue nuclear armament with little interest shown by the president, and the United States remains bogged down in Iraq. I hope these unconscionable statements will cause the Bush administration to renew its commitment to our allies in the region. Let us make no mistake, such statements present a serious threat to the world. Iran's leaders are pursuing nuclear armament, and continue to call for the destruction of the state of Israel, one of the United States most important allies. The statements made by President Ahmadinejad are not just a threat against the people of Israel, but they are a threat to the peace and stability of the entire world. These words of hate must not go unanswered or unchallenged. The United States and the United Nations must stand firmly against such threats. Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr.…”