Comment equating Zionism with Fascism and Anti-Semitism and labeling it “crime against humanity” disparages noble historic enterprise
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–March 12, 2013. Today, Reps. Steve Israel (D–NY) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) along with 85 other bi-partisan and bi-cameral Members of Congress sent a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan calling on him to retract his comment made before a U.N. conference in Vienna, which equated Zionism with Fascism and Anti-Semitism and called it a “crime against humanity.”
Rep. Israel said, “Today, 85 Members of the U.S. Congress are expressing to Prime Minister Erdoğan that his outlandish comment is simply unacceptable. National leaders like Prime Minister Erdoğan cannot be spouting incendiary rhetoric that further threatens unrest in an already perilous region. Zionism is a non-discriminatory affirmation of Jewish nationhood, and the Prime Minister’s comment disparages this noble historical enterprise.”
Rep. Lamborn said, “Prime Minister Erdoğan simply must retract his statement. His comments were wrong and hurtful, particularly for a national leader. Turkey has a history of religious tolerance and I hope that Prime Minister Erdoğan leads his country back in that direction.”
Sen. Kirk said, “Prime Minister Erdoğan’s latest comments were outrageous and offensive. Rather than pursuing closer ties with the United States, Europe and Israel, Erdoğan continues to pursue a policy of distance and isolation from the West. I urge the Prime Minister to apologize for his remarks and chart a better course for the future of the Turkish people.”
Sen. Nelson said, “I sincerely hope that Prime Minster Erdoğan will retract his inflammatory remark. This is a time when we should all be fully focused on advancing security and peace throughout the region.”
To read a copy of the letter, click here.
Source: kirk.senate.gov
