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ANNAN BACKS ISRAELI BID FOR FAIRNESS AT UN
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the American Jewish
Committee in December he supports permanent status privileges for Israel
in the UN. Annan acknowledged the misguided efforts to isolate Israel
and the "regrettable impression of bias and one-sidedness" at
the UN. Annan did note some progress as anti-Semitism finally was listed
as a form of racism by the General Assembly last year. However, he noted
the body again has just passed anti-Israeli resolutions that "might
prejudice the outcome of delicate [peace] negotiations."
The new US ambassador to the UN, Richard Holbrooke, echoed Annan's
sentiments at the AJC dinner. Arab states have blocked Israel from
membership in its natural regional group, so the Clinton administration
is trying to arrange temporary membership in the West European and Other
grouping. Holbrooke said, "we have urged, cajoled, pleaded and even
begged," and although a "breakthrough" appeared imminent,
some southern European states - believed to be Italy, Portugal and Spain
- renewed their opposition to Israel's admittance. Israel may be
picking up a new ally in the fight for fairness - the small, west
African state of Benin plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem and is
pledging to support Israel at the UN.
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