Secretary of State Colin L. Powell:
Statement on Withdrawal of the U.S. Delegation from the World Conference Against Racism
Today I have instructed our representatives at the World Conference
Against Racism to return home. I have taken this decision with regret,
because of the importance of the international fight against racism
and the contribution that the Conference could have made to it. But,
following discussions today by our team in Durban and others who are
working for a successful conference, I am convinced that will not be
possible. I know that you do not combat racism by conferences that
produce declarations containing hateful language, some of which is a
throwback to the days of "Zionism equals racism;" or supports the idea
that we have made too much of the Holocaust; or suggests that
apartheid exists in Israel; or that singles out only one country in
the world -- Israel -- for censure and abuse.
I deeply respect the goals of South African President Mbeki and
Foreign Minister Zuma in hosting this conference. I strongly support
the good work of Secretary General Annan to try to make it come out
right. The United States and delegations interested in a successful
outcome had worked productively in Durban on the other key issues of
the Conference and were hopeful that they could be resolved. I wish
that it could have turned out more successfully.
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