Ellison Statement on President Obama's Speech on the Middle East and North Africa

Statement

American support for democratic reforms in the Middle East and North Africa is critical. Without it, the movements will be weaker and extremists will be stronger. While we should fine-tune our foreign policy to the unique situations in these countries our demand for governments to halt violence against civilians and embrace reform should be unequivocal, as the President stated.

The people of the Middle East and Northern Africa are bravely demanding the very freedoms we Americans hold dear. As they reform their governments, the United States should adapt our policy as well. We should support democracy, justice, and reform in the region. The United States and the Arab world need a richer network of connections, particularly in the areas of commerce and academic exchanges.

I was pleased to hear the President reiterate his support for a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, living with Israel in peace and security. Despite the setbacks over the past two years, I applaud the President's determination to reach a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

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