More nations to boycott anti-racism event

Published: April 19, 2009 at 8:39 PM

SYDNEY, April 19 (UPI) -- At least two more countries -- Australia and the Netherlands -- have joined the United States in boycotting a United Nations anti-racism conference.

The meeting is set for next week in Switzerland.

CNN reported Sunday that the United States and other countries have withdrawn from the conference over a document said to single out Israel. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Israel was being unfairly targeted.

"Regrettably, we cannot be confident that the Review Conference will not again be used as a platform to air offensive views, including anti-Semitic views," he said.

Canada, Israel, Italy and Sweden have already announced they are boycotting the conference, the news network reported.

The boycott by the Obama administration has drawn criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus, which said it was "deeply dismayed" by the decision.

"Had the United States sent a high-level delegation reflecting the richness and diversity of our country, it would have sent a powerful message to the world that we're ready to lead by example," a statement said.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Dodd presents financial regulatory bill (8 min)
Man held for six hours for swearing (14 min)
Jury acquits Bear Stearns managers (22 min)
Wrapping paper covered in swastikas (35 min)
Some don't seek hepatitis C treatment (35 min)
Police: Drug suspect blamed Jesus (38 min)
Rituximab used for Graves' eye disease (46 min)
fark
Man charged for allegedly assaulting construction worker with a backhoe. Officials say the victim...
Evidence found of plot to kill cartoonist, but details are sketchy
♫The best part of waking up is a CTA bus crashing into the side of your house♫
The president calls him..."The Crustmaster"
Hello, insurance company, yeah a grizzly bear ate my airplane
Man charged with sexually assaulting 14-year-old girl over several months, even though he paid her...