AJC Slams Ecuador President's Insensitive Remarks on AMIA Bombing

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Dec 04, 2012, 03:18 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The president of Ecuador's remarks on the 1994 AMIA bombing are a "disgraceful assault on the memory of the 85 who perished," said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

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President Rafael Correa, while visiting Argentina today, stated in a media interview that "I am familiar with the case, which is a very painful part of Argentina's history. But look at how many died in the NATO bombings of Libya. If we compare these two events, we can see where the true danger lies."

Correa came to Argentina to meet with President Cristina Kirchner and to receive an award from the Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Bolivia's President Evo Morales, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez are previous recipients of the same award.

"Speaking so callously in Argentina displays extraordinary insensitivity on the part of President Correa," said Harris. "The attack on AMIA was an assault on all of Argentina. One would expect Latin American nations to be empathetic and supportive of Argentina's efforts to bring those responsible, including Iranian officials sought by Interpol, to justice. To compare a terror attack to a military campaign to assist Libyans seeking to overthrow a tyrannical despot is outrageous."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee