"I have read the CRIF communication about the commentary of President Bush's visit to Israel broadcast on the (Prime time) News on Wednesday January 9. You focus on the journalist's expression "semantic slant", when discussing the US President talking about "the safety of Israel as a Jewish State". Philippe Rochot's wording should have been different, to make it clear that this criticism came from Palestinian leaders.
Rochot is a very experienced journalist. He was uncharacteristically tactless on that occasion, but had absolutely no intention of being dishonest. In order to avoid any misunderstanding, I would like to apologise, and assure you that your comments have been understood and accepted."
This letter was an answer to the CRIF statement published the same day entitled "Israel is the Jewish State".
CRIF deplored the fact "that (State-run French TV channel) France 2 journalist, Philippe Rochot's comment was itself very seriously "slanted" when he said that George W. Bush was introducing a slant by referring to the Jewish nature of the State of Israel, on the Eight o'clock News on January 9".
The statement continued as follows:
"CRIF reminds readers that the notion of a Jewish State was included in the United Nations vote on November 29, 1947 that led to the creation of the State of Israel. The existence of a Jewish State alongside a Palestinian State is the only basis on which negotiations can take place. Obviously, the Jewish nature of the State in no way prevents Israeli Arabs having full rights of citizenship, as is indeed the case.
By putting across his own militant point of view to disqualify the perfectly legitimate statement of the US President, Philippe Rochot failed to respect basic journalistic ethics. His remark, which goes against the position taken by all French politicians, engages the responsibility of the state-run TV channel, France 2. CRIF expects an unequivocal reaction from the heads of France 2 concerning this extremely serious statement."
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