Palestinian Parliament Urges Needed Reforms

PALESTINIAN PARLIAMENT URGES NEEDED REFORMS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. DARRELL E. ISSA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Palestinian Parliament for their leadership in demanding reforms in the Palestinian Authority.

By a vote of 43-4, Palestinian lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling on Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and calling for the formation of a new government that would have greater control over the security forces, the authority to introduce political changes and to combat pervasive corruption. Yesterday's vote marks the emergence of the Palestinian Parliament as a check to Mr. Arafat's political power.

If the Palestinian Authority is to gain legitimacy among its own people and in the world community, the Palestinians themselves must take responsibility for bringing about needed reforms and for establishing an effective security apparatus to combat terrorism and violence.

It is clear by yesterday's action that a new power base dedicated to reducing violence and chaos in the Gaza Strip is emerging, and the United States must encourage and support that effort. I look forward to a renewed commitment in bringing stability to this region.

I am hopeful that seeing the success of this resolution, Palestinian lawmakers will assert themselves in the future to serve the greater interests of the Palestinian people.