“No dictator can be allowed to ridicule the international community”

SPAIN'S Minister for Education, Pilar del Castillo, during a visit to Palma yesterday said “while everyone is entitled to their opinion, no dictator can be allowed to ridicule the international community.” Assisting at the opening of a new kindergarten in the city, the Minister, in the company of the Mayor of Palma Joan Fageda, said “I can only repeat what I believe and I am convinced that Saddam Hussein could have ended the crisis and avoided any conflict at any point over the past 12 years. With a number of local dignitaries sporting “No a la guerra” (No to war) badges in the back ground, including the Bishop of Majorca who led a peace march through Palma last week, the Minister for Education and Culture would not be drawn on the question of whether the Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, will make a televised address to the Spanish nation. All that Pilar del Castillo said was that the Prime Minister has “maintained fluid communication with the Spanish people over the past few weeks and will no doubt continue to make sure that every one is aware of all the latest developments and arguments.” The minister added that Aznar will address congress on the crisis today.