Friday, March 24, 2017

'Concerns' vs. 'Interests'

Language is always an issue in social contact and discourse, especially in diplomacy.

For example, instead of "concerns" here:

Joint readout on the United States-Israeli ConsultationsTHE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press SecretaryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 23, 2017

Senior-level United States and Israeli delegations concluded today four days of intensive discussions...

The two delegations also discussed Israeli settlement construction, following up on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and Mr. Greenblatt’s recent visit to Israel. The United States delegation reiterated President Trump’s concerns regarding settlement activity in the context of moving towards a peace agreement. The Israeli delegation made clear that Israel’s intent going forward is to adopt a policy regarding settlement activity that takes those concerns into consideration. The talks were serious and constructive, and they are ongoing.

...the term "interests" or "attention" would have been employed.

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