The 6th International Conference of Jewish Ministers and Members of Parliament got underway in Jerusalem last night with keynote speaker Foreign Minister Shimon Peres addressing the group. Parliament members criticized Peres for his decision to refrain from declaring PLO leader Yasser Arafat a terrorist. Peres responded saying that Israel will not decide for the Palestinians who their leader is.
Peres clarified his position saying that it is not in Israel\'s best interest to declare Arafat a terrorist because such a move would bring about a massive rallying of support for the PLO leader among Arab nations and many European countries, including the Scandanavian bloc. Arafat would play such a declaration to his advantage. By merely pointing out that Arafat is engaged in terrorism, we can unite the entire world against terrorism.
Itim news agency reports that one US congressman from New York asked Peres why Israel should talk to Arafat when he continues to lie, as proven in the \"Karin A\" incident. Peres responded, \"We sat with Sadat who engaged in three wars against us, and with King Hussein of Jordan who also fought us, and therefore Arafat is no different.\"
Conference members also rebuked Peres because of what they feel is the inadequate public relations job being done by him and his foreign ministry. They claim that there still doesn’t exist a sole, unified voice standing up for Israel in the world. Peres disagreed with his critics and said that since the September 11 attacks on America, the Israeli public relations department has done an excellent job in winning over world public opinion.
Among the participants in the conference were the deputy prime minister of Canada, the Bulgarian foreign minister, two members of the House of Lords from England, and six U.S. congressman.
Peres clarified his position saying that it is not in Israel\'s best interest to declare Arafat a terrorist because such a move would bring about a massive rallying of support for the PLO leader among Arab nations and many European countries, including the Scandanavian bloc. Arafat would play such a declaration to his advantage. By merely pointing out that Arafat is engaged in terrorism, we can unite the entire world against terrorism.
Itim news agency reports that one US congressman from New York asked Peres why Israel should talk to Arafat when he continues to lie, as proven in the \"Karin A\" incident. Peres responded, \"We sat with Sadat who engaged in three wars against us, and with King Hussein of Jordan who also fought us, and therefore Arafat is no different.\"
Conference members also rebuked Peres because of what they feel is the inadequate public relations job being done by him and his foreign ministry. They claim that there still doesn’t exist a sole, unified voice standing up for Israel in the world. Peres disagreed with his critics and said that since the September 11 attacks on America, the Israeli public relations department has done an excellent job in winning over world public opinion.
Among the participants in the conference were the deputy prime minister of Canada, the Bulgarian foreign minister, two members of the House of Lords from England, and six U.S. congressman.