ARAB AMERICAN INSTITUTE

April 3, 2002
Information: Jenny Salan (202) 429-9210 21
For immediate release:
Arab Americans Present Recommendations to Sec. Powell
Delegation Presses for Increased U.S. Involvement

Washington-Today AAI Chairman George R. Salem and President Dr. James J. Zogby joined other Arab American leaders for a meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell. The group presented a series of recommendations to the Secretary and relayed personal stories from West Bank witnesses. The delegation implored the Administration to take immediate action in order to end the loss of life and stop the humanitarian crisis.

Recommendations to the Secretary included:

• Immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1402, specifically calling for an immediate end to Israel’s invasion and occupation of Palestinian areas and the cessation of all violence between the parties;
• Simultaneous with the Israeli withdrawal to pre-September 2000 positions, the placement of an international peacekeeping force to provide security and protection for both parties;
• Set a specific date for resumption of security and political talks aimed at the achievement of a lasting resolution of the crisis based on relevant UN resolutions;
• Provision of immediate humanitarian relief assistance; and,
• Provision of medium term assistance to the Palestinian economy, coupled with Israeli actions to restore the viability of the Palestinian economy.

"It is important that the United States helped pass a UN Security Council Resolution supporting a Palestinian state and calling for an immediate end to the Israeli invasion. But as the Administration often says to others—it’s deeds, not words that count. The Administration’s embarrassing and inadequate statements from last week have given Sharon a green light and put pressure only on Arafat. That is wrong and must change. This policy leaves US interests and allies at risk and creates a situation where Ariel Sharon is killing all prospects of peace." said AAI President Dr. James J. Zogby.

AAI is a national organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent.

Abdallah S. Al-Zuabi
National Field Coordinator

Don't forget to order your tickets for the Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards Gala on April 10 at the Washington Capital Hilton Hotel. Ticket reservations and information at: www.aaiusa.org/aboutaai/events/gibran.htm