Date : 28/02/2002
Visiting Kissinger enraged by link to Milosevic
Former US Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger entering UCC under heavy
protection yesterday as demonstrators protest against his visit.
FORMER US Secretary of State, Dr Henry Kissinger, denied being a war criminal
yesterday, claiming it was an insult to human intelligence for protestors in
Cork to compare him with Slobodan Milosevic. Protestors at University
College
Cork chanted and waved banners bearing the slogan 'The Milosevic of
Manhattan' prior to the arrival of the 56th US Secretary of State, who was
in
office during the controversial Nixon administration."These people are
throwing around allegedly criminal charges without a shred of real evidence.
I don't know who they represent but I wish their knowledge equalled their
passion."The elderly statesman, who was visiting the university to deliver a
speech at an MBA Association of Ireland business conference, said he has
never replied to derogatory remarks in the media."I consider them (the
accusations) fundamentally beneath contempt. They are based on distortions
and misrepresentations."The focus of Kissinger's' address was on US foreign
policy particularly in aftermath of September 11.Dr Kissinger said the
international scene is experiencing an extraordinary period of change for
which there is no historical precedent. One of the biggest challenges facing
the US administration, he said, was to bring countries together to prevent
the spread of biological and chemical weapons.Dr Kissinger's visit was
condemned by human rights organisations who claim he flouted international
law in his dealings with Bangladesh, Chile and East Timor.
Olivia
Kelleher
