New York, N.Y., August 26, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly urged U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to refrain from having his office participate in the upcoming U.N. International Conference of Civil Society in Support of the Palestinian People, saying that the conference would again serve as a forum for anti-Israel propaganda.

In a letter to Secretary Annan, Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

We continue to be concerned that this year’s United Nations International Conference of Civil Society in Support of the Palestinian People, to be held at U.N. Headquarters on September 4 and 5, will again serve as a forum for anti-Israel propaganda. 

We note that on the provisional program, a representative of your office is to make a statement at the conference, which would further legitimize these proceedings. We strongly urge your office not to participate in a conference, that with its primarily anti-Israel political agenda and with its theme of “End the Occupation,” can only serve to exacerbate tensions and is unlikely to enhance chances for peace in the region.

We look forward to your immediate response.