U.S. Will Not Attend Commemoration of Durban Conference Because of Anti-Semitism In Original Proceedings

AP reported yesterday that in a letter from Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Joseph Macmanus to New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the administration disclosed that the U.S. will not participate in the United Nations' 10-year commemoration of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism. Macmanus said that the Durban process being commemorated "included ugly displays of intolerance and anti-Semitism." In December, Gillibrand had coordinated a letter signed by 18 Senators expressing concern about the Conference which will be held in New York City beginning Sept. 21. (Text of Gillibrand letter and her response to U.S. announcement.) At a State Department press briefing yesterday (full text), Department Spokesman Mark Toner confirmed the U.S. position. Numerous Jewish groups have applauded the Administration's decision.