Israel ‘disturbed’ by Ban’s recanting comment on bias

Israeli officials dispute Ban's claims saying "the UN systematically discriminates against the Jewish state.”

By HERB KEINON
Ban Ki moon *concerned, thinking* 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Ban Ki moon *concerned, thinking* 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Israeli officials criticized UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon Tuesday for backtracking on his admission Friday in Jerusalem that there was bias and discrimination against Israel at the UN.
Ban was quoted Friday during a meeting with Israeli college students saying that “unfortunately because of the conflict, Israel has been weighed down by criticism and suffered from bias – sometimes even discrimination.”
However, back in the UN on Monday, Ban reversed himself.
When asked about the matter during a press “encounter,” he said, “I don’t think there is discrimination against Israel at the United Nations.”
“The Israeli government maybe raised this issue that there’s some bias against Israel, but Israel is one of the 193 member states,” he added.
“Thus, Israel should have equal rights and opportunities without having any bias, any discrimination. That’s a fundamental principle of the United Nations charter. And thus, Israel should be fully given such rights.”
One Israeli official said that when Ban spoke about a bias against Israel in the organization he heads he “spoke the truth and showed moral leadership.”
“We are disturbed by his apparent backtracking. The UN systematically discriminates against the Jewish state,” he said. “The first part of rectifying a problem is recognizing it. His apparent backtracking is unfortunate.”