VANCOUVER – Statement by Conservative leader Stephen Harper:

“I was saddened to see the inflammatory comments of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denying the Holocaust, and calling once again for the destruction of Israel.

“The entire civilized world must be repulsed by these sentiments, particularly as they are being expressed by the head of state of a member state of the United Nations.

“To deny the historical reality of the Holocaust is an intolerable offence to the millions who perished in it, and to the survivors who bear witness to this act of unthinkable evil. The world community, including the United Nations, must speak with clarity and resolve in the face of these irresponsible and hateful remarks.