Former US diplomats send protest letter to Bush

[Classical_Liberal]

Former US diplomats send protest letter to Bush
By Guy Dinmore in Washington and Jean Eaglesham in London
Published: April 30 2004 1:15 | Last Updated: April 30 2004 1:15


Inspired by the attack of their British colleagues on Tony Blair's foreign policy, more than 20 former US diplomats have so far signed a letter to President George W. Bush protesting against his pro-Israeli stance.

The letter accuses Mr Bush of reversing long- standing American policy in the Middle East by endorsing the demands of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, that Israel retain big settlements in the occupied West Bank and deny the right of return to Palestinian refugees.

"Your unqualified support of Sharon's extra-judicial assassinations, Israel's Berlin Wall-like barrier, its harsh military measures in occupied territories, and now your endorsement of Sharon's unilateral plan are costing our country its credibility, prestige and friends," the letter says.

The letter was drafted by Andrew Killgore, former ambassador to Qatar, and Richard Curtiss, former chief inspector of the US Information Agency. The letter was to have been sent to the White House today, but an organiser said it was being held to give more former envoys the chance to sign......

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