Jerusalem, Sep 19 (ANI): The United States and Britain have both condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent "hateful" speech in which he had said the Holocaust was "a false pretext to create Israel."

The Jerusalem Post quoted White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, as saying: "Obviously we condemn what he said."

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband also criticized Ahmadinejad's 'myth' remark.

In a statement communicated by the UK Embassy in Israel, Miliband said: "Ahmadinejad's repeated denials of the Holocaust are abhorrent as well as ignorant. It is very important that the world community stands up against this tide of abuse. This outburst is not worthy of the leader of Iran."

"Iran's people have a great history and culture. I cannot believe that the vast majority of them want to rewrite this chapter of history rather than focus on the future. The coincidence of today's comments with the start of Jewish New Year only adds to the insult," he added. arlier, Miliband issued a blessing for the Jewish New Year.

"Rosh Hashanah is a time of celebration for Jewish communities in the UK and around the world. A chance to look forward to the coming year and make plans, but also a period of reflection and soul searching," he had said. (ANI)