New York, NY, April 9, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned remarks by former President Jimmy Carter as "outrageous distortions and oversimplification" of U.S. policy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

In remarks to reporters this week in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, the former president faulted the current administration for "lack of progress" on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and cited the "Palestinian issue" as the "prime source of animosity towards the United States."

Mr. Carter was quoted as saying, "We (the U.S.) have been exclusively committed to the policies of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Israel, and have made no effort to try to have a balanced negotiating position between Israel and the Palestinians."

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

Jimmy Carter's outrageous comments distort and oversimplify the history of U.S. policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  In fact, the current administration, as with previous administrations, has sought to achieve peace and security for all people in the region through the promotion of bilateral negotiations.   

 

The reality is that the Palestinian leadership has rejected such negotiations and has done nothing to impede the ongoing campaign of terrorism.  President George W. Bush has spoken specifically about the goal of an independent Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel.  However, his Administration also takes into account the current reality on the ground, and understands that there can be no real progress until Israel has a true partner for peace and Palestinian terrorism has been curtailed.