VIENNA The Jewish community says it is suing ex-freedom Party leader Joerg Haider for a remark he made against its President, Ariel Muzicant, which was widely branded as anti-Semitic.

There would be a lawsuit for "defamation" against the right-wing politician, said a spokesman for the Zionists here late Thursday.

Muzicant had also instructed his lawyers to examine "other aspects", according to an Austrian Radio report.

In a speech on February 28, Haider's attacks on personalities at home and abroad included Muzicant.

He remarked he could not understand how someone named Ariel (the name of a popular soap powder) had so much "dirt sticking to him" -- a German expression implying shady or even illegal practices.

Social Democrat and other spokesmen charged that the remark was clearly anti-Semitic. Haider denied it had been meant that way.

In rare criticism of Haider, Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said there must be "no jokes about names -- not even a hint of play on emotions involving anti-Semitism, racism or xenophobia".

This, said Schuessel, was his stand as leader of his conservative People's Party.

Hebrew speakers in Vienna pointed out that the name "Ariel" in fact means "Hero of God".

The FP reacted to the lawsuit by saying it was "humorless". It was also "a completely incomprehensible overreaction", said faction leader in Parliament Peter Westenthaler.

Haider's remark had been "a play on words", but also "justified criticism". Westenthaler accused Muzicant of being responsible for a large deficit in Jewish community funds.

Someone like that must allow himself to be criticized, said the FP politician.

(DPA)