Correa defends close links with Iran and downplays the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires
Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa triggered a serious controversy in Argentina when he defended close links with Iran and downplayed Teheran’s alleged role in the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish institution in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and left hundreds injured.
“I know the AMIA case, very painful for Argentine history. But only God knows how many civilians died in the NATO bombings in Libya. Then we should compare and let’s see where the real dangers are”, said Correa when an Argentine journalist told the president how sensitive the Iran issue was, including the fact that some Teheran top officials have international arrest warrants requested by Argentine Justice.
Correa insisted in defending Ecuador’s close relation with Iran and said that “some traditional ally nations are unconditional of the United States which doesn’t even hold elections. The media doesn’t say a word about that. At least here is a flagrant case of double morals”.
Correa also defended his strict media laws and argued that “they want us to believe that questioning their private businesses with the purpose of making profits is an attack on the freedom of expression”.
“When they criticize the government all the time it is freedom of expression, but when a president dares to reply it is an attack on the freedom of expression: this is but an overwhelming and cheeky double moral” added Correa.
The Ecuadorean leader was implicitly referring to a Friday judicial countdown in Argentina when a new media law comes into effect and the large groups will have to present their proposals on adapting to the new bill which strongly limits the number of television and radio signals a group can hold forcing them to divest.
“We have many difficulties in Ecuador to replace the communications bill imposed by the military several decades ago. There is no free and independent press if it is subject to private interests and the whims of capital”, added Correa who added that one o f the great challenges of Latin American is to combat ‘factual powers’ that has always had their way and done whatever they chose.
Finally Correa underlined that the hedge funds (‘vulture’ funds) attacks on Argentina are looking to have a dissuasive effect so that “nobody dares to question the power of financial capital”.
“How can you explain that a small number of Argentine sovereign bond-holders, and entirely marginal, creating all these court problems to Argentina”, asked the president.
Suggested Stories
-
Jun 20th 2013
Cristina Fernandez admits defeat to the Supreme Court but promises to fight on
-
Jun 19th 2013
Blow for CFK: Supreme Court rules unconstitutional Counsel of Magistrates reform
-
Jun 19th 2013
Argentina bans British made ejection seats from local jet trainer IA-63 Pampa III
-
Jun 19th 2013
Malvinas C24 Argentina petitioners: Maria Angelia Vernet and Alejandro Betts
25 comments Feed
Note: Comments do not reflect MercoPress’ opinions. They are the personal view of our users. We wish to keep this as open and unregulated as possible. However, rude or foul language, discriminative comments (based on ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or the sort), spamming or any other offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Please report any inadequate posts to the editor. Comments must be in English. Thank you.
There need be no ambiguity if he asks the right person the right question. I just wonder where he can find such a person ....
Libya has not become a peaceful paradise but it is the better of two evils.
Do they not know that TMBOA is the 'chosen one' and 'Dear Leader' whose will must be obeyed WITHOUT question?
But on the other hand at least he puts it in perspective. Quite a few Argentine citizens died, but other people died in other countries at the hands of the imperialistic colonialist west, so it's okay.
However I'm sure the 'Dear Leader' will be happy with his defense of removing freedom of the press, under the title 'freedom of expression' for himself and his followers, because criticism of his rule would trample his 'right' to express his views.
I'm sure you would enjoy nothing more than to be in the company of a bunch of men in A Teheran bathhouse, I'm doubly sure they would love to have a little towel-boy like you! Not to worry, Iran will soon be a cinder.
#10 Communism and Sh'ite's have a like in common.....respression.
True, very true.
asslips kirchner has worked hard and is the primary runnerup for that position. SHe can assume that role effortlessly.
And the west should be on their guard,
If they secretly conspire to split the allied forces,
While Argentina keeps the brits occupied, the Iranians can strike against the USA,
They are both desperate that they will do anything and everything to get what they want,
Still,
Would you trust the devil ?
.
I don't know. CFK takes herself too seriously. Chavy, Correa and Morales actually make me laugh. When I hear them talk it cases me great amusment. I think deep down they know they are circus clowns and have an instict to entertain. CFK is devoid of such talent. My ranking would be:
1 Chavy
2 Morales
3 Correa
4 Azerbajnutterjob
5 Islam Karimov (Uzbekistan)
.
.
.
204 Angela Merkel
@17
“some place close to the south pole ” - on my map the equator is a long long way from the south pole.
What is, perhaps, saddest, is how many people then do so and forget about the original issue.
For me a country that says “My murdering ally is less of a murderer than your murdering ally” is not something that helps me rest easy at night, or inspire confidence in that leader, their morals or brain-cells.
...and yet people keep falling for it, all around the world.
Yes, drama queen is about right.
20
Indeed. It is one of democracy's imperfections.
21
I had forgotten about Assange. He must be going mad in there.
#7 “Ecuador aren't acting like South American brothers, stabbing poor Argentina in the back like that. How dare they?
Do they not know that TMBOA is the 'chosen one' and 'Dear Leader' whose will must be obeyed WITHOUT question?”
And how is he disobeying or backstabbing Cristina???
#18 I don't know what you mean “takes herself too seriously”, did you see her at the fiesta last weekend =) Tbh her style and the styles of Chavez, Correa, Morales all seem alike, confrontational with the oligarchies and imperialism, supportive of deepening democracy, in tune with the masses, brilliant rhetorical skill and a good touch of humour. Like George Galloway and Tommy Sheridan from my very own Scotland, but alas most unlike the leaders of Britain and Europe =(
I must point out though that your list is most incongruous, and offensive, to list not only Ahmadinejad (a conservative on a colision course with imperialism for complex reasons) but the vile torturer and American stooge Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan with these LatAm heroes of the left. As a long term supporter of Craig Murray, the British ambassador to Uzbekistan who Jack Straw sacked for telling the truth, that Karimov was a tyrant who boiled oppositionists alive, while Uzbekistan was providing “valuably” (bogus) intelligence to back up the case for war on Iraq, I couldn't let that go unanswered...
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!