February 16, 2006

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Meets with Israel's Consul General, Arye Mekel

(ST. ALBANS, N. Y.) - Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) met with Arye Mekel, Consul General of Israel on Monday, February 13, 2006 to discuss the latest events in the Middle East, including the recent Palestinian elections..

Consul General Mekel briefed Congressman Meeks on the ramifications of the Hamas being elected as the governing force of the Palestinians people. Both men agreed that the victory of the Hamas terrorist organization presented a setback to prospects for peace. Meeks and the Counsel General Mekel discussed the nuclear aspirations of Iran and other regional developments.

Consul General Mekel joined Congressman Meeks in the condemnation of the continuing anti-Semitic statements and Holocaust denial of the President of Iran.

In addition, the Consul General informed the Congressman of Israeli efforts, in coordination with the American Jewish community, to provide humanitarian assistance to Africa. Congressman Meeks expressed his support for such initiatives and his willingness to help further this goal.

PHOTO ABOVE: Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and Arye Mekel, Consul General of Israel during their meeting earlier this week at the Consulate General of Israel in New York.

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