Jimmy Carter: I oppose Israel boycott, but settlement goods must be labeled

from HAARETZ March 24, 2014

Former U.S. president tell AP that he and the 'elders' will not 'publicly endorse any kind of embargo, or so forth, against Israeli invasion, or occupying troops in Palestine.'

NOTE: It is easy to rant against Jimmy Carter because of his strongly held views about justice and his controversial comments about Israel. While it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when he mentions "Israel" and "apartheid" in the same sentence, I cannot bring myself to hate or dismiss him outright. He did, after all, broker some powerful peace agreements and I believe his heart is in the right place. Live and learn, right Jimmy? (and Council of Elders? Is that the Jedi Council?)

Jimmy Carter doesn't support the "boycott, divest, sanction" campaign against Israel, he told the Associated Press. However, the former U.S. president – who has been outspoken in his opposition to the occupation – also thinks that products made beyond the Green Line should be clearly labeled as such, not labeled "Made in Israel," he said.

Carter, 90, and the other retired senior leaders known as the "Elders" discussed the economic pressure campaign against the Israeli occupation, he said. "We decided not to publicly endorse any kind of embargo, or so forth, against Israeli invasion, or occupying troops in Palestine," he stated.

But Carter adds: "We have also encouraged Europeans for instance, at least to label products that are made by Israeli people who occupy Palestine and ship their products out of Palestine to be sold in Europe. ... so that the buyers can decide whether they want to buy them or not." CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING