Israeli FM called "fascist" ahead of Brazil trip

A senior member of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's party described Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman as a "racist" and a “fascist” just as the controversial ultra-nationalist was set to begin a landmark Latin America tour.

"Lieberman is a racist and a fascist," Valter Pomar, secretary of international relations for Lula's Workers Party (PT), told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz in an interview published on Tuesday.

"The Brazilian left is organizing protests against him and against the policy he represents," Pomar was quoted as saying by the English-language daily.

A spokesman for the Brazilian foreign ministry told Haaretz that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, Pomar’s statement "certainly does not represent the government's position."

Lieberman began a 10-day tour of Latin America on Monday, the first by an Israeli foreign minister in more than 10 years, aimed at curbing Iran's growing influence.

He is to meet with Lula, as well as the leaders of Argentina, Peru and Colombia during the trip.

The foreign minister and his party have come under fire for <a href="http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/05/14/72843.html">introducing several bills</a> seen as aimed at curbing the rights of Israeli Arab citizens and <a href="http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/06/30/77405.html">refusing to curb settelments</a>. His visit to Britain in May was also <a href="http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/05/13/72768.html">met with street protests</a>.

The Brazilian left is organizing protests against him and against the policy he represents

Valter Pomar, secretary of international relations