A UNESCO conference on racism and racial prejudice concluded its week-long meeting here after agreeing to a strong draft declaration condemning apartheid and other forms of discrimination. But before the declaration was agreed to by consensus, four Arab states–Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Algeria–sought to present an amendment condemning Zionism as a form of racism on the basis of the nefarious resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in November, 1975. The Soviet Union, on behalf of East European countries, supported the Arab move.
However, a number of African states, led by Nigeria, prevailed upon the Arabs to drop the amendment. The United States agreed with the declaration but opposed the amendment. It was supported by Canada, France, Australia and West European countries. Generally, it was noted, the Arab states seemed relatively moderate in their attacks on Israel. The Arab states said unofficially that they may formally raise the issue of Zionism and racism at UNESCO’s general conference next November where the final declaration on racism and racial prejudice will be adopted.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
