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World Jewish Congress President Hails Principled Decision of Italy to Boycott UN Anti-Racism Forum
March 6, 2009The decision by the Italian government not to participate in the upcoming UN anti-racism conference in Geneva ('Durban Review Conference', or 'Durban II') over concerns that it will become a repeat of the failed 2001 conference in Durban, South Africa, has been welcomed by the World Jewish Congress (WJC). Ronald S. Lauder, the WJC's president, said: "Italy has given a strong signal, which should be a rallying call for other European Union countries. The leadership that Prime Minister Berlusconi and Foreign Minister Franco Frattini have demonstrated on this issue is praiseworthy. All 27 European Union governments should now announce their withdrawal from this conference. That is the only way to prevent another disaster." Full release.