American Jewish Committee Surprised And Concerned By Hillary Clinton's Comments On A Palestinian State

American Jewish Committee
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Robert S. Rifkind, president of the American Jewish Committee issued the following statement:

"I am surprised and concerned by the comments First Lady Hillary Clinton made in support of a Palestinian state."

Her statement was made yesterday in a satellite broadcast on the U.S. Information Agency's Worldnet Television Network.

Mr. Rifkind continued:

"Mrs. Clinton's comments come at an especially sensitive time in America's Middle East diplomacy. While the White House has stated that Mrs. Clinton did not represent Administration policy on the issue, Mrs. Clinton has added a confusing and disturbing element at a time when Israel is trying to make some very difficult decisions on its future. Her timing could not have been worse. And she has publicly announced a personal policy that is contrary to the stated policy of this Administration.

"In the coming weeks and months, we hope that the White House will ensure that its statements and pronouncements will reiterate the Administration's consistent policy on a Palestinian state."

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