URGENT: Costa Rica, Israel

AJC Deeply Disappointed by Costa Rica's Decision to Close Embassy August 16, 2006 - New York - The American Jewish Committee is deeply disappointed by Costa Rica's decision to close its embassy in Jerusalem and move it to Tel Aviv. “Costa Rica has long been a stalwart supporter of Israel and courageously set an example for the world by maintaining its embassy in the country's capital city of Jerusalem,” said AJC Executive Director David A. Harris, adding that AJC has visited San Jose regularly over the years to demonstrate its appreciation for Costa Rica's principled stance. “Given the fact that Costa Rica is a shining light of democracy in Latin America, this action against another democracy, Israel, is particularly painful,” said Harris who, upon learning the news, began contacting high-level Costa Rican officials to voice concern. “Costa Rica's decision to close its embassy in Jerusalem would at any time be upsetting,” said Harris. “The timing of this decision by President Oscar Arias Sanchez, just after a cease-fire on the Lebanon front following Hezbollah's murderous assault on Israel, is all the more troubling, and could, however unintentionally, be interpreted as tacit support for those who seek to harm the Jewish state.”

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