[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E35]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      OBJECTING TO UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2334

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                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 5, 2017

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I will vote for House Resolution 11, 
``Objecting to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 
as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace,'' because I believe the UN 
resolution was not objective, but rather one-sided by placing the blame 
solely on Israel as the obstacle to peace.
  For years, I have strongly advocated for direct peace negotiations 
between Israel and Palestine because I firmly believe peace can be 
achieved only if Israel and Palestine negotiate directly in good faith 
and on fair terms. I remain hopeful this will happen.
  While I deeply oppose the continued building of settlements in the 
West Bank and the Gaza Strip, I believe the United Nations Security 
Council Resolution does more harm than good. Here's why:
  First, Resolution 2334 passed by the UNSC does nothing to advance 
peace. Instead it bolsters Israel's enemies and pushes the two state 
solution to peace further out of reach by forcing nations to choose 
between supporting Israel or Palestine.
  Second, while I agree the settlements serve as one of many obstacles 
to peace, the UNSC resolution singles out the settlements and ignores 
Palestinian violence, the role of Hamas and its refusal to recognize 
Israel as the Jewish state. These are essential and critical issues 
that must be addressed to achieve lasting peace.
  This omission is unacceptable. My vote on Resolution 11 illustrates 
this belief and my strong desire for fairness and peace between 
Israelis and Palestinians which will enable Israel to protect its 
security and its existence as a Jewish and democratic state. This can 
only be achieved by a two state solution.

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