Public Papers

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Statements Made by Ambassador Zalman Shoval of Israel

1991-02-15

Public statements made yesterday by Israeli Ambassador Zalman Shoval criticizing the United States are outrageous and outside the bounds of acceptable behavior by the ambassador of any friendly country. The Secretary of State made this clear to the Ambassador yesterday, and the President protested to Prime Minister Shamir by cable this morning.

We deserve better from Israel's Ambassador.

Note: The statement referred to Secretary of State James A. Baker III and Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir of Israel. The Ambassador had criticized the United States for withholding economic assistance to Israel.