'Caution' over Ahmadinejad message

Dec 24 2008

A Christmas Day message of peace and goodwill from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran must be "treated very carefully", Jewish groups have said.

The speech by the hardline leader whose anti-Western rhetoric and views on Israel have strained international relations with the country, will be broadcast by Channel 4. The Alternative Christmas Message is not scheduled at the same time as the Queen's Speech on BBC and ITV as in previous years but will go out at 7.15pm.

The president uses the message to express his wish for a peaceful New Year and greater spirituality among governments, leaders and society as a whole.

Speaking in Farsi with English subtitles he will say: "Upon the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, Son of Mary, the Word of God, the Messenger of mercy, I would like to congratulate the followers of Abrahamic faiths, especially the followers of Jesus Christ, and the people of Britain."

He will add: "Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the standard bearer of justice, of love for our fellow human beings, of the fight against tyranny, discrimination and injustice. All the problems that have bedevilled humanity throughout the ages came about because humanity followed an evil path and disregarded the message of the Prophets.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers. If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems, as He did in His lifetime."

He will conclude by saying: "I pray for the New Year to be a year of happiness, prosperity, peace and brotherhood for humanity. I wish you every success and happiness."

Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, said the message should be treated with caution. President Ahmadinejad's views on the state of Israel and his claims that the Holocaust is a "myth" have angered Jewish groups.

Mr Smith said: "I think this benign message is deceptive. People need to be alert to the fact that this is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Many of his political and historical views are very dangerous and do not uphold the views in his message."