Moussa raps Israel's anti-Arab hatred, warns against selective approach

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa Sunday assailed Israeli leaders and clerics for their anti-Arab insults.

Addressing the World Conference against Racism (WCAR) in the South African port town of Durban, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa branded these insults as racist.

An ultra-Orthodox Israeli rabbi has recently described Arabs as insects and snakes.

"We Arabs condemn what happened to the Jews and stand opposed against its recurrence. But should we allow it to happen to others?" asked Moussa, referring to Israel's ruthless crackdown on the Palestinians.

Moussa demanded the cessation of Israel's settlement activities and all racist acts.

He warned against a selective approach in condemning racist practices.

"All types of bigotry, be it against the Jews, the Muslims, the Africans or Arabs, must be firmly encountered."

He added that selective condemnation would be tantamount to a racist act. Moussa emphasized Arab delegates' interest in the success of the Durban gathering.

"The Durban meeting should not be a selective conference that fights racism which is targetting certain people while turning a blind eye to racism practised against others."

Moussa launched a blistering attack against Israel's assassinations of Palestinian leaders, settlements activists and confiscation of Arabs' property in the occupied territories.