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Ahmadinejad Speech Sparks UN Walkout

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 20, 2009 12:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Delegates stormed out of the United Nations conference on racism today in Geneva, protesting a speech by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the New York Times reports. The Iranian president used his speech to criticize Israel for leaving “an entire nation homeless under the pretext of Jewish suffering,” in an effort to “establish a totally racist government in occupied Palestine.”

At the start of the speech, two protesters wearing colored wigs shouted, “Racist!” before being removed by security. Delegates from France, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, and Australia walked out, returning only after Ahmadinejad finished his 30-minute talk. The walkout recalled the UN’s 2001 racism conference, which saw US and Israeli delegates walk out over criticism. Neither country is attending this conference.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, delivers his speech in front of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, delivers his speech in front of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right.   (AP Photo)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during a press conference after the opening of the UN's Conference against Racism today in Geneva.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during a press conference after the opening of the UN's Conference against Racism today in Geneva.   (AP Photo)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gestures during his speech at the UN Racism conference in Geneva, Switzerland, today.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gestures during his speech at the UN Racism conference in Geneva, Switzerland, today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
RobN
Apr 21, 2009 4:48 AM CDT
We did. In fact we boycotted the entire meeting.
Fondue
Apr 20, 2009 10:07 AM CDT
You don't go to an ANTI-RACISM conference to express your racism towards others.
RobN
Apr 20, 2009 9:25 AM CDT
Read up a little on his belief in the 12th Iman and his role in bringing about his return, if you really want to get nervous.

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