|
May 5, 2003
Orthodox Union Condemns UN Secretary General’s
Criticism of Israel
The Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs today
deplored United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan’s criticism of
Israeli self-defense measures in the Gaza Strip. Calling these measures
“contrary to international humanitarian law”, his remarks ignored the
Palestinian suicide bombings that took place in Tel Aviv early last
Wednesday morning, to which these measures were a necessary response. The
Palestinian attack in Tel Aviv, perpetrated near the American Embassy,
resulted in three people being killed and nearly fifty wounded. The
Secretary General’s comment is in keeping with persistent barrage of
one-sided UN statements and resolutions against Israel that undermine the
credibility and relevance of the UN itself. Made the day the “road map”,
which casts the UN in a prominent role, was presented to the parties, this
comment again exposes UN prejudice against Israel.
“This statement is particularly distressing in view of the fact that there
are currents attempts to restart peace talks,” said Betty Ehrenberg,
Director of International and Communal Affairs. “By criticizing Israel’s
attempt to defend herself without condemning Palestinian terrorism,
Secretary General Kofi Annan’s comments, in keeping with the long time UN
anti-Israel bias, prejudice the delicate peace negotiation process. Israel
did not ask for this war, but is compelled to defend herself against the
repeated murderous attacks on her citizens. The cynicism and hypocrisy of
the United Nations is again evidenced by labeling Israel’s attempt to rout
out terrorism as contradictory to ‘the international community’s efforts
to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.’ As President Bush
stated in his June 24th speech, Palestinians must cease and desist from
all acts of violence and end all acts of terror if a genuine and lasting
peace is to be achieved. Recent experience has shown that fruitful peace
negotiations cannot be held while Palestinian terrorist attacks are
simultaneously being perpetrated against Israel. Secretary General Annan
should refrain from one-sided criticisms of Israel while neglecting to
condemn Palestinian terrorism if the United Nations wants to retain its
integrity. The United Nations must cease to be an instrument of
Israel-bashing, manipulated by anti-Israel forces into minimizing
Palestinian terrorism.”
-30-
|
