WASHINGTON, DC, May 7, 01 (CWNews.com) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been criticized by the United States for anti-Jewish comments he made on Saturday as he greeted Pope John Paul II on his visit to the country.
During welcoming ceremonies in Damascus, Assad compared the "mentality" of Israel with the Jews who betrayed Jesus Christ and killed the Prophet Mohammed. Israel immediately rejected the comment as anti-Semitism.
A US State Department spokesman denounced Assad's comments on Monday. "Our view is that these comments are as regrettable as they are unacceptable. There's no place from anyone or from any side for statements that inflame religious passions and hatred," said spokesman Richard Boucher.
He added, "We hold with the Pope's call for reconciliation. That is really the only way forward, especially in these difficult times and the only way to achieve what all parties profess to want."
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
7. mai 2001