The foreign minister of Israel ran into controversy on the first day of a Latin American trip when an official of Brazil's ruling party reportedly called him a "racist and a fascist."

Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported that Valter Pomar, secretary of international relations for the Workers Party (PT), described Avigdor Lieberman as "a racist and a fascist," during an interview

According to Haaretz, Pomar also said that "the Brazilian left is organizing protests" against Mr Lieberman "and against the policy he represents".

Lieberman ten-day visit to South America is intended to help block Iranian "infiltration" of the continent and expose Teheran's plans to allegedly develop nuclear weapons.

The ruling Workers Party has long been sharply critical of Israel's policies towards Palestinians and Lieberman has advocated a tough line on Israel's Arab minority.

He has suggested redrawing Israel's borders to push areas with heavy concentrations of its Arab citizens outside the country and under Palestinian jurisdiction, while requiring those who remain to sign an oath of loyalty to the Jewish state. About 20% of Israel's seven million citizens are Arabs.

A spokesperson for President Lula said Mr Pomar's words "were just his own opinion and have nothing to do with the government. In fact, they were quite rude".

Iran's ambassador to Brazil, Moshen Shaterzadeh, said on Monday that Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would also visit Brazil.

Mr Lieberman tour will take also him to Argentina, Peru and Colombia, but he is bypassing the South American nations most closely allied with Iran, Venezuela and Bolivia.

Mercopress

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Isrealis are the most prejudiced people on earth
written by George , July 24, 2009

I am sick and tired of Israelis crying about the past. My ancestoras were masacered in the 10's of millions in various wars, but my ancestors did not play the "poor me" card. They did not isolate themselves or punish others. The Israelis think they have the right to destroy people's homes and infrastructure because they have friends in the US who are religious fanatics and think Israel is supposed to exist.
Israel is the worst human rights violator in the world, and it is supported by ignorant Americans who choose to live by beliefs.

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i agree w/ george
written by sage, July 24, 2009

the israelis are a bunch of unconsionable genocidal fascists. they have no interest in peace. they have burnt their bridges across sw asia. w/o unconditional us support, it is a complete & pathetic non-entity. their business & political class are generally dishonest crooks & liars who cannot be trusted. i hope mr. obama really starts doing something about this as they are damaging long term us interests. george hw bush & james baker had the correct policy framework for dealing w/ them.

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...
written by Double-Dot, July 24, 2009

i hope mr. obama really starts doing something about this as they are damaging long term us interests.

Alas, Mr.Sage, your hopes are going to be shattered

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double dot
written by sage, July 26, 2009

double dot - you are probably a shit for brains zionist pig!

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