Iran's president slams Israel, sparking Western walkout, clown protest at UN racism conference

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered his speech saying the United States and Europe had helped establish Israel after World War II at the expense of Palestinians. That prompted walkouts Monday by every European Union country a total of 40 diplomats.


The meeting turned chaotic almost from the start when two protesters in rainbow wigs tossed red clown noses at Ahmadinejad.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned Ahmadinejad's speech and Ban's meeting with the Iranian leader.

In Paris, French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned what he called "an intolerable call to racist hate."