>Speeches
& Documents<
Speeches
Conference Documents
Media Releases
Newsletters
|
|
Statement
by Secretary of State, Colin L Powell on the withdrawal of the USA from the WCAR Today I have instructed our representatives at the
World Conference Against Racism to return home. I have taken this decision with
regret, because of the importance of the international fight against racism and the
contribution that the Conference could have made to it. But, following discussions today
by our team in Durban and others who are working for a successful conference, l am
convinced that will not be possible. I know that you do not combat racism by conferences
that produce declarations containing hateful language, some of which is a throwback to the
days of "Zionism equals racism"; or supports the idea that we have made too much
of the Holocaust; or suggests that apartheid exists in Israel; or that singles out only
one country in the world, Israel. for censure and abuse.
I deeply respect the goals of South African
President Mbeki and Foreign Minister Zuma in hosting this conference. I strongly support
the good work of Secretary General Annan to try to make it come out right. The United
States and delegations interested in a successful outcome had worked productively in
Durban on the other key issues of the Conference and were hopeful that they could be
resolved. I wish that it could have turned out more successful.
Issued by the US Department of State Office of the
Spokesman
September 3, 2001 |
|
