American Jewish Commmittee Diplomatic Marathon To Open Sept. 21; More Than 50 Nations Participating

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 17 September 1999

The American Jewish Committee is set to begin its annual "Diplomatic Marathon," meeting separately with the heads of state, foreign ministers or other top leaders of at least 50 countries who are attending the opening debate of the UN General Assembly.

"This intense diplomatic activity, unparalleled among non-governmental organizations, allows us, in private discussions, to further our goals of promoting democracy, combating bigotry and anti-Semitism, and advancing human rights around the world," said David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

"Citizen organizations have played an increasingly important role in international diplomacy, said Mr. Harris. "This month the American Jewish Committee will continue to make a difference in deepening understanding of the American Jewish community, promoting awareness of the twin threats of non-conventional weapons proliferation and international terrorism, and enhancing their relations with the U.S. and Israel."

AJC leaders will meet with the heads of state or foreign ministers of nearly all the republics of the former Soviet Union, seven Arab countries (including some that have no ties to Israel), several Latin American nations and most member states of the European Union as well as other countries.

The full international program of the 100,000-member AJC, which has 32 chapters nationwide and maintains 10 overseas posts, including offices in Berlin and Jerusalem, has led more than one ambassador to the UN to call the American Jewish Committee the "State Department of the American Jewish community."

In addition to the "Diplomatic Marathon," AJC maintains ongoing relationships with ambassadors to the UN, with embassies in Washington, and, through its chapters around the country, with consulates.

AJC leaders travel extensively during the year, bringing their diplomacy to the capitals of countries in Europe, the Middle East, Latin American and Asia.

AJC's recent partnership with UN Watch, a monitoring group, gives the American Jewish Committee a permanent presence in Geneva, where AJC will step its involvement with the diplomatic community and UN staff based there.

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