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Boycott-hit racism forum begins Israel protests at racism talks
(about 1 hour later)
A controversial UN conference on racism has begun in Geneva, amid concern it could become an anti-Semitic forum. Israel has recalled its ambassador to Switzerland "for consultations" amid ongoing controversy over an anti-racism conference being held in Geneva.
Several countries - including the US, Australia and Germany - are boycotting it but France and the UK are attending. The protest came as the Swiss president met his Iranian counterpart who is to address the UN conference.
Iran's president, who has denied the Holocaust, is to address the meeting, a follow-up to a 2001 UN forum in Durban that ended in acrimony. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has denied the Holocaust, describing it a "myth".
The UN chief has expressed dismay that some countries, including the US, Australia and Germany, are boycotting talks. France and the UK are attending.
"Israel's ambassador in Switzerland is recalled for consultations following the start of the... conference and the meeting between the Swiss president with his Iranian counterpart," a foreign ministry official said, quoted by AFP news agency.
There comes a time to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights and dignity Ban Ki-moonUN Secretary General Fault lines split summit
"This is not a break in relations, but an expression of Israel's discontent for the lax Swiss attitude towards Iran," he said.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the opening session he was "profoundly disappointed" at the boycotts.UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the opening session he was "profoundly disappointed" at the boycotts.
"There comes a time in the affairs of humankind when we must stand firm on the fundamental principles that binds us," he said. "There comes a time in the affairs of humankind when we must stand firm on the fundamental principles that binds us," he said. "There comes a time to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights and dignity and worth of us all, a time to give the virtues of tolerance in respect for diversity their fullest due and look beyond a past that divides us towards a future that unites us. The time is now, ladies and gentleman. The time is now."
"There comes a time to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights and dignity and worth of us all, a time to give the virtues of tolerance in respect for diversity their fullest due and look beyond a past that divides us towards a future that unites us. The time is now, ladies and gentleman. The time is now."
Anti-Semitic comments
The UN's first conference on racism in the South African city of Durban eight years ago was marred by anti-Semitic comments from some non-governmental organisations.The UN's first conference on racism in the South African city of Durban eight years ago was marred by anti-Semitic comments from some non-governmental organisations.
There was also an unsuccessful attempt by some states to equate Zionism with racism.There was also an unsuccessful attempt by some states to equate Zionism with racism.
Now, many Western countries are uncomfortable with the address by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the only major leader to accept an invitation to the forum. Now, many Western countries are uncomfortable with the address by Mr Ahmadinejad, the only major leader to accept an invitation to the forum.
President Obama on why his administration is boycotting the event in GenevaPresident Obama on why his administration is boycotting the event in Geneva
His presence at a conference against racism has caused horror in Israel, and nervousness within the United Nations, says the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Geneva.His presence at a conference against racism has caused horror in Israel, and nervousness within the United Nations, says the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Geneva.
If Mr Ahmadinejad uses the conference to repeat attacks on Israel, or even to deny the Holocaust, it will be a disaster for an event the UN had hoped would be a shining example of international unity against discrimination, our correspondent says.If Mr Ahmadinejad uses the conference to repeat attacks on Israel, or even to deny the Holocaust, it will be a disaster for an event the UN had hoped would be a shining example of international unity against discrimination, our correspondent says.
The five-day Durban Review Conference in Geneva - or Durban II - is the UN's first global racism conference in eight years.The five-day Durban Review Conference in Geneva - or Durban II - is the UN's first global racism conference in eight years.
The Pope has also spoken out in favour of the conference, saying it was an opportunity to fight discrimination and intolerance.
"We ask for firm and consistent action, at national and international level, to prevent and eliminate any form of discrimination and of intolerance," he said.
Watered downWatered down
The draft final declaration, which has been causing much heated debate, has been watered down to remove all references to Israel and the Middle East.The draft final declaration, which has been causing much heated debate, has been watered down to remove all references to Israel and the Middle East.
However, at the request of Middle East nations, it still contains a clause about the incitement of religious hatred, which many Western countries see as a curtailment of free speech.However, at the request of Middle East nations, it still contains a clause about the incitement of religious hatred, which many Western countries see as a curtailment of free speech.
US President Barack Obama said anti-Israeli language in the draft final communique that was "oftentimes completely hypocritical and counterproductive" had been the red line for his administration.US President Barack Obama said anti-Israeli language in the draft final communique that was "oftentimes completely hypocritical and counterproductive" had been the red line for his administration.
RACISM CONFERENCE UN conference on racism - draft outcome [90.6 KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereRACISM CONFERENCE UN conference on racism - draft outcome [90.6 KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
EU states are split on whether to follow the US boycott. Germany has become the latest country to announce it would not be attending, joining others including Canada, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand.EU states are split on whether to follow the US boycott. Germany has become the latest country to announce it would not be attending, joining others including Canada, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
France, on the other hand, is attending, a source close to President Nicolas Sarkozy's office told AFP news agency. And the UK said it would send a delegation, but without a high-level official.France, on the other hand, is attending, a source close to President Nicolas Sarkozy's office told AFP news agency. And the UK said it would send a delegation, but without a high-level official.
What can this conference achieve? Are the US, Germany and Israel right to boycott it? Send us your views using the form below.What can this conference achieve? Are the US, Germany and Israel right to boycott it? Send us your views using the form below.
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