Carter said that debate had been stifled by the media and others.
"It's
almost a universal silence concerning anything that might be critical
of current policies of the Israeli government," he said.
"Worse than apartheid"
Carter
said he stands by his use of the "apartheid" and cited the fences,
electric sensors and concrete slabs that Israel has built in the West
Bank as an example of the divide.
"It's almost a universal silence concerning anything that might be critical of current policies of the Israeli government."
Jimmy Carter, former US president |
"I think it's worse, in many ways, than apartheid in South Africa," Carter said.
The
book follows the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, starting with
Carter's 1977-1980 presidency and the Camp David peace accord he
negotiated between Israel and Egypt.
It blames Israel, the Palestinians, the US and many others, but it is most critical of Israel.
Stein,
an Emory University professor, sent a letter to Carter claiming the
book was "one-sided" and "is not based on unvarnished analysis; it is
replete with factual errors, copied materials not cited,
superficialities, glaring omissions, and simply invented segments."
"Tremendous intimidation"
Carter said on
Friday that Stein had not played a role in the Carter Centre in 13
years and that his post as a fellow was an honorary title.
He said: "When I decided to write this book, I didn't even think about involving Ken, from ancient times, to come in and help."
He added that the book had been vetted by Carter Centre staff and an unnamed "distinguished" reporter.
Carter, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, lamented the lack of discussion of Israeli policy in the US.
"There's
a tremendous intimidation in this country that has silenced our people.
And it's not just individuals, it's not just folks who are running for
office. It's the news media as well," he said.
Carter, who has
led efforts to monitor several elections in the Palestinian Territories
since leaving office, said bringing peace to the Middle East is the
most important commitment in his public life.