Israel regrets that a resolution on an important subject - elimination of
racism - has been diverted and politicized by the automatic majority at the
UN.

(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson) 26.12.2010

The UN General Assembly has adopted on December 24th a resolution on
"Combating racism and follow-up of the Durban Programme of Action".

Israel is part of the international struggle against racism. The Jewish
people was itself a victim of racism throughout history.

Israel regrets that a resolution on an important subject - elimination of
racism - has been diverted and politicized by the automatic majority at the
UN, by linking it to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2001)
that many states would prefer to forget. The Durban Conference of 2001, with
its antisemitic undertones and displays of hatred for Israel and the Jewish
World, left us with scars that will not heal quickly.

In the coming months, Israel will follow closely the preparations for the
upcoming September 2001 meeting. Israel expects the participants to deal
appropriately with the serious manifestations of racism throughout the
world, and to reject attempts to once again divert world attention from this
dangerous phenomenon by means of cheap politicization.

Under the present circumstances, as long as the meeting is defined as part
of the infamous "Durban process", Israel will not participate in the
meeting scheduled to take place in UN Headquarters in New York in September
2011.