[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AND THE U.N.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in objection to the 
Palestinian Authority's blatant attempt to circumvent its past 
agreements and treaties with Israel and seek a unilateral declaration 
of statehood at the United Nations (UN) later today.
  Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will not be settled 
through a resolution at the United Nations. Lasting peace will only be 
achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the 
Palestinians.
  The Palestinian Authority's unilateral declaration of statehood 
directly contradicts UN Resolution 242, which states that the two 
nations must work together to achieve peace in the region so that both 
states are secure.
  When Resolution 242 was passed, President Johnson stated, ``It is 
clear . . . that a return to the situation of June 4, 1967 will not 
bring peace. There must be secure and there must be recognized borders. 
Some such lines must be agreed to by the neighbors involved.''
  Now is the time for the UN and the Palestinian Authority to heed that 
advice. The borders should not be dictated to the Israelis; rather, an 
agreement should be based on direct negotiations between the two 
states. Recognition in any way by the UN will only embolden the 
belligerent Palestinians to avoid the negotiating table and circumvent 
direct negotiations with Israel.
  An affirmative vote by the UN Security Council, even with a United 
States veto, will have dire consequences for years to come. I urge the 
UN to reject the resolution so that both nations can return to the 
negotiating table without pre-conditions.

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