Sense of Congress Regarding Palestinian Authority

SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 17, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. AL GREEN OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2006

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to express my support of S. Con. Res. 79. This resolution reaffirms the long-standing policy of the United States against dealing with terrorists by expressing the sense of Congress that no aid should be given to the Palestinian Authority should any political party holding a majority of Parliamentary seats advocate for the destruction of the state of Israel. In the past years, the United States has given aid to the Palestinian Authority in the hopes of meeting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. It is my hope that we will be able to provide for Palestinians who are in need of our help, but it is imperative that our assistance contribute to peace in the region.

* As a nation committed to peace, assisting a Palestinian Authority with a political party holding a majority of the seats that actively calls for the destruction of the state of Israel is a step backwards on the path to peace. The internationally backed Roadmap requires that the Palestinian Authority launch ``sustained, targeted, and effective operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror.'' The Palestinian Authority cannot call for the destruction of Israel if it is to be a serious partner for peace. The members of the Palestinian Authority must assure us that they are interested in a better future for the Palestinian people and to do so, they must take steps to recognize Israel and its right to exist.

* It is up to the United States and the international community to ensure that we do not directly aid the Palestinian Authority should the majority party maintain a position calling for the destruction of Israel. This resolution clarifies our commitment to peace, real peace, by sending a clear, swift signal to those persons in the Palestinian Authority who refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist.

* While the Palestinian Authority was democratically elected, true democracy requires a willingness to negotiate with other states. I urge the Palestinian Authority to acknowledge the existence of the state of Israel and to announce a willingness to negotiate with Israel and; in doing so, make a declaration to the world that it is committed to true democracy and peace.

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