GOL CONDEMNS IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ABOUT

UNCLAS VILNIUS 001156 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR EUR/NB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL IR IS LH SUBJECT: GOL CONDEMNS IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ABOUT ISRAEL ¶1. (U) The Baltic News Service agency reported October 27 that an MFA spokesperson made the following statement in response to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments regarding Israel. ¶2. (U) Begin text of statement. Lithuania condemns the exhortations by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to 'erase' the state of Israel 'off the map.' We emphasize that the state of Israel is a recognized member of the international community and therefore such statements are irresponsible and conflict with the globally accepted principles of international conduct." End statement. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: This statement augurs well that the GOL will promote responsible action on Iran within the EU. MULL