AJC Dismayed by Palestinian Obstinacy

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 25 July 2000

American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris issued the following statement today after the collapse of Israeli-Palestinian talks at Camp David:

"We are deeply dismayed by the obstinate Palestinian stance which led to today's disheartening breakdown at Camp David. Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's uncompromising stance stands in stark contrast to the flexibility and readiness for compromise exhibited by Israel.

"In the true spirit of peacemaking, Prime Minister Ehud Barak came fully prepared to do business on the most difficult issues. With courage and wisdom, he went further than any other Israeli leader in seeking a creative solution for Jerusalem, while rightly maintaining Israeli sovereignty over the Old City, the heart and soul of the Jewish people.

"President Clinton's tireless dedication to the peace process from the start, and his passionate perseverance during the past two weeks to achieve a permanent Israeli-Palestinian peace, are truly extraordinary. We salute Mr. Clinton and encourage him and his Administration to continue, together with Prime Minister Barak, to seek a resumption of the talks in an effort to reach a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian agreement, based on the true spirit of compromise by both sides, not simply the Israeli side, that could bring durable peace to the region."

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