AJCommittee Policy Statement Supports Arab - Israeli Peace Process; Condemns Terrorism

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

The American Jewish Committee, in a policy statement adopted by its Board of Governors on May 7, 1997, reaffirmed its commitment to and support for the Arab - Israeli peace process through direct negotiations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, continued close cooperation with the United States, and the absolute condemnation of terror.

The "Statement of Principles on the Arab - Israeli Peace Process" was adopted during a session of AJC's 91st Annual Meeting, which took place May 7 - 9 in Washington, DC. The AJC statement affirms:

"Our support for the Arab - Israeli peace process within the Madrid framework, as carried forward in the Oslo accords between Israel and the Palestinians, the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, and the agreements establishing trade and other contacts between Israel and several Arab states.

"Our absolute condemnation of terror, and the use and tolerance of terror for political ends, which the Oslo accords have explicitly rejected, but which enemies of peace continue to employ against Israelis.

"Our endorsement of constructive actions and statements from any quarter - in the Arab world, in Israel or elsewhere - that support the process and the results of negotiations, that strengthen both the peace between Israel and her neighbors Egypt and Jordan, and the stability of the entire region, and that reaffirm Israel's right to exist and to interact normally with all nations.

"Our confidence in the indispensable role of the United States as Israel's partner in democracy, strategic ally and friend, and as the universally trusted and respected facilitator of Arab - Israeli peace.

"Our belief that Israel's qualitative military edge and her preparedness to defend herself against all threats, both near and distant, are of critical importance for regional stability."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org