[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               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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