August 26, 2001
7 Elul, 5761
Jerusalem

The Zionist Executive Will Not Send A Delegation At The Present Time To The Durban Conference. The Decision Was Made in Conjunction with The World Jewish Congress

At the conclusion of a meeting with members of the Zionist Executive and Jewish organizations, World Zionist Organization chairman Sallai Meridor decided not to send a delegation, at the present time, to the World Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia, Racial Discrimination and Related Intolerance (WCAR) which will be held in Durban, South Africa.

The draft resolutions for the WCAR are replete with false, anti-Israel and anti-Zionist propaganda. As long as these resolutions will not be removed from the agenda, there is no place for participation, which would grant legitimacy to the vociferous chorus that sings Palestinian lyrics to tunes from Teheran.

Meridor expressed great appreciation for President Bush's declaration that the United States will not participate in the conference if it will be a platform for attacks upon Israel and Zionism. He added that the United States' just and supportive position must not be weakened by Israeli participation.
Meridor's decision was taken in conjunction with the World Jewish Congress.

For further information:
Contact the Office of the Spokesman:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706