New York, NY, December 2, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the government of Sweden to abandon its "misguided" initiative to adopt the Palestinian position on the status of Jerusalem as an explicit aspect of European Union policy. 

"Sweden's initiative is out of step with the recent serious concessions made by Israel to help create an environment for the resumption of direct negotiations.  If the European Union adopts this position, we believe it will no longer be able to play any role in the peace process," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Peace will be the product of negotiations, not of external pressure and diktats from third parties."

In a letter to Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, the League called the government's proposal "a misguided step toward an imposed solution, a dangerous policy that can only end in failure and disappointment."

Sweden's initiative calls for Jerusalem to be made the Palestinian capital and for a halt to natural growth of Jewish communities in East Jerusalem.  Sweden, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the E.U., is expected to present the new policy for adoption on December 7.

The League noted that Sweden's initiative contradicts the stated policy of the E.U., which for years has held that "all issues surrounding the status of Jerusalem" should be negotiated and resolved in the context of a comprehensive peace agreement with the Palestinians.