[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      U.F. STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2011

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of 
Florida's Student Body Government, and to submit for the record their 
resolution supporting the U.S. commitment to a negotiated settlement of 
Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
  The University of Florida Student Government was established in 1909, 
and represents the interests of the student body. As representatives 
for the students of the University of Florida, this student government 
body has put forth Resolution 2011-138, which calls for the 
continuation of peaceful negotiations between Israel and the 
Palestinian Authority, and to oppose any attempt seeking a unilateral 
declaration of statehood from the United Nations.
  The students of the University of Florida hereby resolve:

Resolution Supporting the U.S. Commitment to a Negotiated Settlement of 
 Palestinian Conflict Through Direct Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, 
  and Calling Upon the United States to Oppose Unilateral Palestinian 
        Efforts of Declaring Independence in the United Nations.

       Whereas, a true and lasting peace between Israel and the 
     Palestinian people can only be achieved through direct 
     negotiations between two legitimate parties and the 
     acceptance of Israel's right to exist; and
       Whereas, direct negotiations between two legitimate parties 
     to ensure an agreement that acknowledges both historical 
     territorial claims to land while also taking into account the 
     current demographic and security realities; and
       Whereas, Hamas, an organization responsible for the death 
     of hundreds of Israeli and American civilians, has been 
     designated by the United States State Department as a Foreign 
     Terrorist Organization and is in control of the Gaza strip; 
     and
       Whereas, Hamas has held merger talks with the Palestinian 
     Authority and continues to forcefully reject the possibility 
     of peace with Israel, and
       Whereas, refusing to come to the table and negotiate 
     despite President Obama's direct request for a meeting 
     following the Israeli nine month settlement freeze, the 
     Palestinian Authority is preventing any constructive dialogue 
     from taking place that could eventually lead to the formation 
     of a Palestinian state; and
       Whereas, the Palestinian Authority attempting to gain full 
     membership at the United Nations through a unilateral 
     declaration of statehood is counterproductive to the peace 
     process; and
       Whereas, a poll done by the Palestinian Center for Public 
     Opinion showed that eighty-three percent of Palestinians 
     cited job creation as the most pressing issue, with only four 
     percent citing UN recognition of Palestinian statehood as the 
     most important; and
       Whereas, of that same poll only forty percent of 
     Palestinians think that the UN vote will actually help to 
     bring about an independent Palestinian state; and
       Whereas, the United States passed H. Res 268 and S. Bill 
     185 calling on the Administration to block the Palestinian 
     Authority's efforts at the United Nations, and to cut foreign 
     aid to the Palestinian Authority in the event of a unilateral 
     declaration, and
       Whereas, the Obama administration has publicly criticized 
     the Palestinian Authority's push for an unsustainable 
     unilateral declaration, then be it
       Resolved That the University of Florida Student Senate, on 
     behalf of the students of the University of Florida, join our 
     elected officials in support of a peaceful, two-state 
     solution through direct negotiations between the Palestinians 
     and Israelis; and be it further
       Resolved That the students of the University of Florida 
     support a halt to any efforts for a unilateral declaration of 
     statehood at the United Nations and that the Palestinian 
     Authority terminates its association with Hamas, so that it 
     may be considered a legitimate partner for peace.

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