Israel condemns Iran's selection to high-level post on UN disarmament and security committee

UNITED NATIONS – Israel is condemning the selection of Iran for a high-level position on a U.N. committee dealing with disarmament and international security issues.

Israel's U.N. Ambassador Ron Prosor said in a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon circulated Tuesday that "it is inconceivable" that a country under U.N. sanctions over its suspect nuclear program would be allowed to hold the position of rapporteur. The rapporteur reports on the committee's proceedings.

"Permitting Iran to serve on the U.N.'s leading disarmament committee is like appointing a drug lord CEO of a pharmaceutical company," Prosor wrote.

The 193-member committee unanimously chose Iran for the position soon after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly on Oct. 2, accusing Iran of continuing to pursue nuclear weapons.

Prosor said the appointment "erodes the U.N.'s legitimacy."