New York, N.Y., June 4, 2003 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called today's summit in Aqaba, Jordan, "a significant step" in the pursuit of Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and peace and said the crucial test would be in implementation and accountability.

Glen A Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

Today's summit in Aqaba was a significant step in the pursuit of Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and peace. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' statements rejecting terrorism and anti-Israel incitement and hatred were important and encouraging. We applaud Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for his courage in seeking peace with security. We have great appreciation for President George W. Bush's intensive and determined efforts to bring about this meeting and to move towards his vision of Middle East peace of "two nations living side by side in peace and security."

In order for the roadmap to work, it is necessary for serious and sustained Palestinian action to end terrorism against Israel. The Palestinian Authority must meet these obligations and be held accountable by the United States and the other members of the Quartet. Israel cannot be expected to take tangible steps, such as redeployment from territories, that might endanger its security, when conditions are clearly not in place.

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.