New York, N.Y., April 25, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today denounced comments reportedly made by French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, as "baseless and offensive" to all Americans and called on French President Jacques Chirac to reject the foreign minister's efforts against Israel and the American Jewish community.

Mr. Vedrine called for European nations to put "political pressure" on the Bush Administration, as a counter-move to American Jewry's pro-Israel activities, which he labeled "intransigent." He also attacked Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon's policies during a meeting of European foreign ministers in Valencia, Spain.

"By attempting to intimidate American Jews, Mr. Vedrine has gone beyond his usual anti-Israel rhetoric," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "His claim that American Jewish organizations are not on the path to peace is baseless. His suggestion that European leaders make concerted efforts to influence the Bush Administration to distance its policies away from those of American Jewish organizations, is offensive and unacceptable. Given the current political climate in France, one has to wonder whether Mr. Vedrine has decided to compete with the views of Le Pen on Jews and Israel. We call on President Chirac to reject Mr. Vedrine's comments."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.