[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5031]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO DECLARATION OF PALESTINIAN STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                      HON. HOWARD P. (BUCK) McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 1999

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 24, which opposes the unilateral declaration of Palestinian 
statehood.
  While the goal of achieving peace in the Middle East has long been 
elusive, we have in recent years seen progress where Israelis and 
Palestinians have come to the negotiating table to discuss their 
differences. This negotiating process should continue to be respected 
as the best means for Israelis and Palestinians to maintain a 
constructive dialogue on fundamental issues of concern. Unilateral 
actions that circumvent this process will only prolong potential 
solutions to the conflicts which have caused great harm to Arabs and 
Jews in Israel.
  Approving the resolution before us today will convey an important 
message that the United States support continued negotiations as the 
best means to create lasting peace in a region where so much blood has 
been shed.




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