Iran angry at use of flag in Middle East peace advert

Iran has distanced itself from Arab and Islamic attempts to publicise an initiative that hopes to broker peace with and recognise Israel.

Teheran is furious that the Iranian flag appeared on a full-page advert, published in newspapers around the world promoting the Saudi-brokered initiative.

The plan calls for members of the Arab League to recognise Israel if it withdraws to its 1967 borders and agrees a just solution of the Palestinian issue, the Guardian reports.

But the Iranian Embassy in London has complained, saying the Islamic Republic objects "to any move taken by some Arab countries to push the recognition of the occupying Zionist regime in any manner, including in Islamic conferences".

It describes Israel as "the illegitimate and fabricated regime" and condemns the "abuse" of the Iranian flag.

Some Arab newspapers have also refused to publish the advertisement because it includes an image of Israel's Star of David flag, the paper said.

The Palestinian Authority launched the campaign last week, taking out full-page ads in Hebrew-language newspapers setting out the terms of the initiative.

The pan-Arab Al Hayat newspaper, owned by Saudi Arabia, then followed suit by publishing the full text with the Palestinian and Israeli flags surrounded by those of 57 Arab and Muslim countries, the combined membership of the Arab League and the OIC. More