AJC Welcomes Appointment of Susan Rice as President Obama's National Security Adviser

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Jun 05, 2013, 01:26 ET

NEW YORK, Juen 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a statement issued today, AJC Executive Director David Harris said:

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"It is an inspired choice. We have worked closely with Susan Rice during her nearly four-and-a-half years as our nation's UN Ambassador.

"We know her to be a distinguished diplomat. She has stood tall and fearless to defend our nation's vital security and humanitarian interests; to call on the world body to uphold the noble ideals of its Charter when too often it falls short; to speak up repeatedly and relentlessly for democratic values and human dignity; and to oppose the hypocrisy, indifference and double standards that too often prevail on First Avenue.

"With regard to the Middle East, Ambassador Rice has strenuously opposed Iran's nuclear ambitions and human rights transgressions.

"She has sought to mobilize international action in the face of the ever mounting death toll in Syria, and stood up for Israel whenever needed, which in the UN, regrettably, is all too often, whether in the Security Council, General Assembly, or other UN organs.

"Again and again, she has tried to block Palestinian efforts in the world body to do an end-run around direct negotiations with Israel.

"For all these reasons, AJC was very proud to present Ambassador Rice with our Distinguished Public Service Award at a special luncheon in April at the UN Delegates Lounge. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor was the keynote speaker at the packed event.

"We wish Ambassador Rice well in her important new position by President Obama's side, even as we will miss her in New York."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee