White House condemns comments from Egypt's Morsi
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is strongly condemning remarks that Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi made almost three years ago about Jews.
Morsi was a Muslim Brotherhood leader in 2010 when, according to The New York Times, he asked Egyptians to nurse their children and grandchildren on hatred for Jews and Zionists.
White House spokesman Jay Carney calls the language "deeply offensive" and says Morsi should make clear that he respects people of all faiths. He says the U.S. government has raised its concerns about the remarks with Egypt.
Carney says these statements run counter to peace and a democratic Egypt.
Since being elected in June, Morsi has promised to abide by Egypt's decades-old peace treaty with Israel. The White House says adherence to those commitments is essential for U.S. relations with Egypt.