US walkout from WCAR an insult to UN, S. Africa
Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/6/2001

World Conference Against Racism (WCAR), currently in session in Durban, agreed that the walkout by the U.S. from the conference represented an insult to the UN, the host country, and to all participating states.

In statements upon return home Wednesday morning from Durban after leading his country's delegation to the conference, Egypt's top diplomat expressed regret over the American stance which he termed as "unacceptable and incomprehensible."

The US which is considered a friendly state to us, was supposed to play a more influential role in the conference, he said.

The principle which Washington tried to impose on the conference namely not to tackle the Palestinian issue, met with strong opposition by participants, he pointed out.

The United States walkout did not affect activities of the conference, he said noting that Washington had tried to spread rumours about the withdrawal of several countries from the conference but this did not happen.

The general trend inside the conference rejected Washington's attempts to block issuance of resolution condemning Israel and terming it as racist state, he said.

Conferees see that there is a state called Israel which practices aggressive policies against the Palestinian people and it was inconceivable that they do not tackle this topic.

On the European role in Durban gathering, Maher said Europe is trying to play a mediatory role between the supporters and opponents of the resolution.

Europe agreed on the necessity that the conference's agenda should involve this question, he added.

Contacts and consultations are maintained among the participating countries which endeavour to secure the success of the conference, he said.

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