Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Israeli Security...

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Israeli
Security and Peace at AJC 102 Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice reaffirmed America's deep commitment to Israeli-Palestinian
peace, and urged Arab nations to strengthen their dedication to this effort,
at the opening session of the American Jewish Committee's 102nd Annual Meeting
celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary.
"For sixty years, American administrations have been dedicated to the
freedom, security, and well-being of our democratic ally, Israel," said
Secretary Rice. "We will defend against any action that would compromise
Israel's security."
Addressing diplomats, dignitaries and nearly one thousand AJC leaders from
around the world, Secretary Rice lauded AJC as a "tireless advocate for human
dignity" that has fought hate and anti-Semitism, and has "strengthened the
foundations of American life." She last spoke at AJC's Annual Meeting in 2002.
Discussing prospects for peace, Secretary Rice urged full cooperation on
the Road Map by Israel and the Palestinians, and pressed Arab nations to
embrace the "fourth track" of these negotiations, supporting peace efforts and
establishing ties with the Jewish state.
She also stressed the need to isolate Hamas and other terrorist groups.
"Either you are a terrorist group or a political party - you cannot be both,"
said Rice. "Hamas is increasingly serving as proxy warriors for Iran."
Secretary Rice answered questions from audience members.
On a question regarding former President Jimmy Carter's recent meetings
with Hamas representatives, she said, "I don't see the point of trying to
negotiate with people who are determined to destroy the foundation of peace."
To a question on Iran's quest for nuclear weapons, she responded by noting
the success to date of various U.S. government bodies to deny Iran access to
the global financial system. She also underlined her commitment to continuing
to work with China, Russia, Europe and others to isolate Iran in the
international community, with the goal of preventing Iran from achieving
nuclear weapons capability. She also denounced Iran's destabilizing activities
throughout the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza.
Secretary Rice concluded by noting America's dedication to closing a deal
between Israelis and Palestinians this year, despite the tough choices faced
by those dedicated to peace.
"Difficult decisions are coming. Difficult decisions will have to be made.
But let us secure for all time a lasting peace."
SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Kenneth Bandler, Director of Public Relations and Communications,
+1-212-891-6771, bandlerk@ajc.org, or Michael Geller, Assistant Director of
Public Relations, +1-212-891-1385, gellerm@ajc.org, both of American Jewish
Committee