(Washington, DC) Robert J. Spagnoletti, Attorney General for the District of Columbia will travel to Israel January 7 - 14, 2005, as part of a delegation of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).

Mr. Spagnoletti will be part of a delegation of seven Attorneys General from across the United States. They will meet with a host of Israeli government and legal officials, including the Israeli Attorney General and Israeli Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The delegation will share ideas and information on how to achieve best practices in conducting a state’s diverse legal affairs, which include issues of national concern such as anti-terrorism initiatives, civil rights, criminal law developments and youth crime.

“It is an honor for the District of Columbia to be asked to join the National Association of Attorneys General and the Attorneys General of several states on this important delegation to Israel,” says Mr. Spagnoletti.  “Israel has a very progressive and active legal system and there is much to be learned and shared by visiting this historically significant and culturally-rich country. I am pleased and honored to represent the District of Columbia in the American delegation.”

Mr. Spagnoletti says the invitation to be a part of the delegation signals that Attorneys General across the country recognize, that while the District of Columbia has not yet achieved statehood, the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General has state-level functions and responsibilities. 

The delegation of the National Association of Attorney’s General has had a legal exchange with Israel for nearly 25 years. The NAAG Mission to Israel takes place every two years and is in cooperation with the Government of Israel and the America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL). All travel expenses are paid by the Israeli government and the AIFL. The cost of the trip for each Attorney General is $1,214.26.