New York, NY, March 13, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned as "outrageous and counterproductive" remarks by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan focusing on Israel's "occupation" of the territories and on its increasing military efforts to defend its people.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

At a time when the deliberate killings of Israeli civilians is at an all-time high, it is both outrageous and counterproductive for the Secretary General of the United Nations to choose to focus on Israel's role in the territories. This past year and a half, since the Palestinian rejection of peace at Camp David, has demonstrated as clearly as possible that resolving all issues, including the issue of "occupation," depends on Palestinians finally rejecting terror and violence, ending the hatred and negotiating in good faith.

The term "illegal occupation" is an incendiary and loaded misinterpretation of past U.N. security council resolutions, which have been used to negate Israel's legitimate rights under recognized international law. As America and the international community of nations attempt to find a solution to the conflict, Kofi Annan's remarks will only fuel new and unfair attacks against Israel, the likes of which we have seen repeated in various U.N. forums, including the recent World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa.

Kofi Annan's statement at the U.N. on the Middle East conflict demonstrates once again why the U.N. should not intervene. Third-party involvement depends on creating a sense of trust and the confidence of both sides, and the U.N. has repeatedly failed to create that sense of trust with Israel.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.