Arab League official condemns Gingrich statement

Arab League official condemns Gingrich statement

Associated Press

CAIRO

A senior Arab League official has condemned Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich’s statement that the Palestinians are an “invented” people.

The League official handling Palestinian affairs, Mohammed Sobeih, says Gingrich’s statement was “irresponsible and dangerous.”

Sobeih told reporters at the League’s Cairo headquarters Sunday that Gingrich is sacrificing U.S. interests for votes, and that the comments run counter to democratic values and international agreements.

Gingrich’s remarks last week to a cable channel struck at the heart of Palestinian sensitivities about the righteousness of their struggle for an independent state. It also put him at odds with many in Israel who support the idea of an independent Palestine alongside Israel.