[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5483-S5484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to express my thoughts and
my concerns about an issue of the utmost importance; that is, the
Israel-Palestinian peace process.
Tomorrow, September 13, 2011, the General Assembly of the United
Nations will commence with its 66th session in New York. Every year,
member nations come together to debate and discuss the important issues
facing the world at the United Nations General Assembly. While there
will be a variety of issues on the agenda this year, I am extremely
concerned about one issue specifically.
Over the last several months, Palestinian Authority President Abbas
has repeatedly voiced his intention to formally request statehood
recognition and full membership in the United Nations. In July, the
Arab League endorsed this irresponsible ploy. Regrettably, President
Abbas intends to make the formal request during this session of the
United Nations General Assembly.
I oppose the decision of the Palestinian Authority to seek a
declaration of statehood by the United Nations. The unilateral action
of the Palestinian Authority is intended to circumvent the peace
process. It is not a good-faith effort to achieve peace in the Middle
East but, to me, rather it is a political maneuver.
The United Nations should not be interfering or intervening in this
complex process and should refrain from passing unilateral declarations
on issues that are part of ongoing direct negotiations by the parties.
The decision about borders and statehood should be achieved through a
final agreement, an agreement between the Government of Israel and the
Palestinians.
The United Nations should refrain from dictating and imposing a final
decision on statehood for a territory of one of its own current member
nations. To me, this will only make matters worse. It will make this
situation worse because the consequences to the peace process are
grave.
The ability to move forward with an agreement is weakened and greatly
diminished by these types of tactics. The best path to peace is through
direct negotiations between the two parties, not through a manipulation
at the United Nations. The United States continues to support a two-
state solution as a means to ending the conflict. It is based on the
belief that it is the only way to achieve a true and lasting peace
between these two parties.
Instead of embarking on the time-consuming campaign to gain support
in the United Nations General Assembly, the Palestinian leadership
should be working directly with Israel on creating a real and
sustainable peace agreement.
The request for recognition by the United Nations is part of a
terrible emerging trend from the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian
Authority continues to engage in troubling behavior that is contrary to
peace.
On May 4, the Palestinian Authority reached an agreement with the
terrorist group, Hamas, to create a unity government. It is outrageous
that the Palestinian Authority would be willing to unite with a known
terrorist group that is infamously recognized for its destructive acts
of violence.
Since 1997 Hamas has been designated by the U.S. Department of State
as a foreign terrorist organization. Hamas
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terrorists are responsible for the murders of American citizens. It is
also important to note that the agreement between Hamas and the
Palestine Authority does not require Hamas to recognize Israel's right
to exist, to accept the previous Israel-Palestinian agreements, or to
renounce terrorism.
Hamas continues to be fundamentally opposed to a lasting peace
between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It is apparent there is
no path to a peaceful resolution when part of the Palestinian unity
government is dedicated to the destruction of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this point very clear when he
addressed the joint session of Congress on May 24 of this year. He
stated, ``Peace can only be negotiated with partners committed to
peace.''
Furthermore, it is completely unacceptable for U.S. assistance to go
the Palestinian Authority when it includes Hamas. The Palestinian
Authority received approximately $500 million in U.S. foreign
assistance in fiscal year 2010. Hard-earned U.S. taxpayer funds must
not be funneled into the pockets of terrorists.
History shows this is not the first attempt by the Palestinians to
use the United Nations to circumvent peace negotiations and declare
statehood. The Palestinians sought to change their status at the United
Nations through the World Health Organization. At that time, Secretary
of State James Baker publicly warned that he would recommend that the
United States stop funding any international organization that changed
the Palestinian status as an observer organization.
Americans are keenly aware that a significant portion of the United
Nations' budget is paid by the United States. As the biggest financial
contributor to the United Nations, the United States contributed almost
$7.7 billion in fiscal year 2010 to the United Nations system. The
United States should not be providing funding for an international
institution that circumvents an established peace process and that
threatens the security of our allies.
The United States and Israel share a long and deep alliance. Israel
is a friend and ally and a strategic partner to the United States. Both
Israel and the United States understand the values of life, liberty,
opportunity, security, and freedom.
Throughout Israel's history, the country has worked to build a
democratic nation in the face of severe obstacles. Israel is a shining
example of democracy in the Middle East. As Israel faces real danger
from its neighbors, the people of Israel continue to show great
strength and perseverance as they seek peace.
On May 22, President Obama explained that no vote at the United
Nations would create an independent Palestinian State. On May 25, the
President expressed his concern about the efforts of the Palestinian
Authority to seek statehood at the United Nations and referred to it as
a ``mistake.''
The Department of State continues to reiterate that Israel and the
Palestinian Authority need to work out the differences between
themselves in direct negotiations. The United States has been very
clear that we will use veto power in the United Nations Security
Council to block any attempt by the Palestinians for state recognition
or United Nations membership.
The Obama administration must use all of its resources to block
similar actions in the General Assembly and other United Nations
organizations. President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton must
press the Palestinian Authority to abandon its erroneous decision and
return to the negotiating table with Israel.
It is also imperative that other international leaders understand the
implications of these efforts and join the United States in opposing
them. Nations must stand together to decry the attempt to circumvent
direct peace process negotiations.
The Palestinian Authority must also understand that its actions will
have serious implications to the U.S.-Palestinian relations and U.S.
assistance. The recent actions of the Palestinian Authority indicate to
this Senator that the United States has no choice but to suspend
funding assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
Today, I call on Congress to terminate funding assistance to the
Palestinian Authority. I believe Congress must also evaluate and
significantly cut funding to the United Nations if any change to the
status of the Palestinian Authority is approved by the General
Assembly.
I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
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