Washington, April 29 (IANS): US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had never spoken of Israel as a country linked to apartheid, a media report said Tuesday.
"Israel is a vibrant democracy and I do not believe, nor have I ever stated, publicly or privately, that Israel is an apartheid state or that it intends to become one," Xinhua reported citing Kerry as saying.
"I will not allow my commitment to Israel to be questioned by anyone, particularly for partisan, political purposes, so I want to be crystal clear about what I believe and what I don't believe," Kerry said.
Kerry was facing a call for resignation and sharp rebuke from the US and the Isaeli officials over his alleged remarks that Israel risks becoming "an apartheid state" if there is no two-state solution to its conflict with the Palestinians.
"Secretary Kerry has proven himself unsuitable for the position he holds. John Kerry should offer President Barack Obama his resignation," US senator Ted Cruz said Monday.
"Kerry, shame on you. There are some words you cannot use," Israeli Transport Minister Israel Katz wrote on his Facebook page.
Negotiations Kerry initiated in late July came to a deadlock recently as the two rivals refused to budge their positions.
He has since then been focusing on extending the talks beyond the original deadline of April 29.