[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1080-E1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINE INVESTMENT CONFERENCE IN BETHLEHEM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, on May 21, Palestinian Authority President 
Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad convened a large 
gathering of international business leaders in Bethlehem to promote 
investment in the Palestinian economy. This three-day conference, 
organized by the Palestinian Authority, is an important milestone on 
the road to a lasting and secure peace between Israelis and 
Palestinians.
  Earlier this week, Congressman Rahm Emmanuel, the chairman of the 
Democratic Caucus, and I participated with Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a 
Congressional leadership visit to Israel to mark the 60th Anniversary 
of the founding of the Jewish State. During our time there, we had the 
opportunity to meet with U.S. diplomatic officials, and my colleague 
spoke by phone with Palestinian Authority officials to assess the 
progress of efforts to bring peace to that region.
  Following our discussions with Palestinian and American officials, we 
both express our strong support for the efforts of President Abbas and 
Prime Minister Fayyad to chart a course of moderation and tolerance and 
develop an economy and society that provides hope and opportunity for 
the Palestinian people. The international community must support 
efforts, like this investment conference, which are designed to improve 
the lives of peoples in the region.
  Madam Speaker, in this regard, we note our strong appreciation for 
the participation of business leaders from throughout the region, 
including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and the Arab Gulf states. We 
express our thanks to the Government of Israel for its efforts to make 
the conference a success, including by making the travel of so many 
participants possible. This conference is a demonstration of what is 
possible in this troubled region when people work together for a common 
good and reject the forces of extremism.
  We express our thanks to major U.S. corporations that have joined the 
Palestinian Authority in this effort, including Cisco, Intel, Marriott 
and Coca-Cola. When they create jobs, spur investment, and strengthen 
communities, these corporations are truly furthering the cause of 
peace.
  Madam Speaker, a recent World Bank report put unemployment in the 
West Bank and Gaza at more than 23 percent. This young and rapidly 
expanding labor force presents both an opportunity and a challenge for 
those of us who seek to promote the cause of peace. If these young 
people can find jobs, support a family and become part of the global 
economy, they will be a force for peace. The durability of the bonds 
between the Israeli and Palestinian business communities is testimony 
to the power and potential of these relationships.
  If however, these young people are forced to rely on Government 
handouts and the charity of others, they are ripe for exploitation by 
those with extremist agendas.
  Madam Speaker, the Palestinian Authority has begun making some of the 
difficult

[[Page E1081]]

choices necessary to create a prosperous future for its people. The 
contrast in the Middle East between those that seek a peaceful, 
negotiated solution to a conflict that has gone on far too long, and 
those that oppose this path, has never been clearer. We must use every 
tool at our disposal to support those who seek to build the 
institutions of free societies in the Middle East. The promotion of a 
strong, prosperous Palestinian economy is a critical component in this 
struggle, and we commend President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad for 
their efforts and assure them of our continued support.

                          ____________________