"The United States is the last country that should be criticised for the unfolding of the events at this conference. This conference has been wrecked by Arab and Islamic extremists." Congressman Tom Lantos, member of US delegation

"The Durban conference is a farce... The Arab League, all of it, has come out against peace." Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres

"I truly regret the decision of the United States to leave the conference. Nevertheless, I believe that the journey we have begun must continue until the end of the conference, with a view to achieving a successful outcome." Spokeswoman for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson

"The South African Government views the withdrawal of the US delegation or any other delegation as unfortunate and unnecessary. It will be unfortunate if a perception were to develop that the USA's withdrawal from the conference is merely a red herring demonstrating an unwillingness to confront the real issues posed by racism." South African Government

"In many ways, the American delegation never walked in." Reverend Jesse Jackson, US civil rights leader

"Amnesty International regrets the US decision to pull out of the conference. The world racism conference goes way beyond the conflict in the Middle East. By walking out in the middle of the conference, the US is letting down the victims of racism on all sides." Amnesty spokeswoman Maya Catsanis

"This conference presents a unique opportunity for the nations of the world to define, condemn and repair racism and discrimination. The United States should be a part of that process and its absence and departure is a disappointment to victims everywhere." Spokesman for New York-based Human Rights Watch

"It's sad. It's sad they didn't leave room for dialogue, they didn't leave room for flexibility... Their withdrawal will not affect the success of the conference." Palestinian ambassador Salman al-Herfi

"This conference is an opportunity to address racism and xenophobia in the world. The problem of the Middle East should not have been imported into the conference." UK Foreign Office spokesman