New York, NY, June 20, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a letter from AOL Time Warner Vice Chairman Ted Turner apologizing for his earlier comments in a London newspaper justifying Palestinian suicide bombers.

"I hope you understand that I do not morally equate Israel's right to defend itself with the intentional killing of innocent civilians," Mr. Turner wrote in a letter to Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"While I have questioned the policies of the Israeli government in the past, that in no way should be interpreted as an absolution of Palestinian tactics," Mr. Turner wrote. "The crux of my point was the unacceptability of the level of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It deeply pains me that there is so much human loss on both sides."

"We accept Ted Turner's apology," said Mr. Foxman, "and we consider the matter closed. His letter shows that he understands why his words were inappropriate."

Mr. Turner's comments on Palestinian suicide bombers appeared in a wide-ranging interview published on June 18 in London's Guardian newspaper. In response to his remarks, ADL wrote a letter to Mr. Turner, saying that the use of terrorism, "can never be justified."

In his letter of apology, Mr. Turner said, "I sincerely regret any anguish my remarks to The Guardian newspaper may have caused you and the membership of the Anti-Defamation League." The remarks, he said, "were part of a long and extensive interview given over two months ago. My distress is further compounded by the tragic events of the last two days in Israel."

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.