[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 19549-19552]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 PEACE THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS ACT OF 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5272) to provide for a United States response in the event 
of a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 5272

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Peace Through Negotiations 
     Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Resolving the political status of the territory 
     controlled by the Palestinian Authority is one of the central 
     issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
       (2) The Palestinian threat to declare an independent state 
     unilaterally constitutes a fundamental violation of the 
     underlying principles of the Oslo Accords and the Middle East 
     peace process.
       (3) On March 11, 1999, the Senate overwhelmingly adopted 
     Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, and on March 16, 1999, the 
     House of Representatives adopted House Concurrent Resolution 
     24, both of which resolved that: ``any attempt to establish 
     Palestinian statehood outside the negotiating process will 
     invoke the strongest congressional opposition.''.
       (4) On July 25, 2000, Palestinian Chairman Arafat and 
     Israeli Prime Minister Barak issued a joint statement 
     agreeing that the ``two sides understand the importance of 
     avoiding unilateral actions that prejudice the outcome of 
     negotiations and that their differences will be resolved in 
     good-faith negotiations''.

     SEC. 3. POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.

       It shall be the policy of the United States to oppose the 
     unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, to withhold 
     diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is 
     unilaterally declared, and to encourage other countries and 
     international organizations to withhold diplomatic 
     recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally 
     declared.

     SEC. 4. MEASURES TO BE APPLIED IF A PALESTINIAN STATE IS 
                   UNILATERALLY DECLARED.

       (a) Measures.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     beginning on the date that a Palestinian state is 
     unilaterally declared and ending on the date such unilateral 
     declaration is rescinded or on the date the President 
     notifies the Committee on International Relations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate that an agreement between Israel and 
     the Palestinian Authority regarding the establishment of a 
     Palestinian state has been concluded, the following measures 
     shall be applied:
       (1) Downgrade in status of palestinian office in the united 
     states.--
       (A) Section 1003 of the Foreign Relations Authorization 
     Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 (Public Law 100-204) as 
     enacted on December 22, 1987, shall have the full force and 
     effect of law, and shall apply notwithstanding any waiver or 
     suspension of such section that was authorized or exercised 
     subsequent to December 22, 1987.
       (B) For purposes of such section, the term ``Palestine 
     Liberation Organization or any of its constituent groups, any 
     successor to any of those, or any agents thereof'' shall 
     include the Palestinian Authority and the government of any 
     unilaterally declared Palestinian state.
       (C) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to 
     preclude--
       (i) the establishment or maintenance of a Palestinian 
     information office in the United States, operating under the 
     same terms and conditions as the Palestinian information 
     office that existed prior to the Oslo Accords; or
       (ii) diplomatic contacts between Palestinian officials and 
     United States counterparts.
       (2) Prohibition on united states assistance to a 
     unilaterally declared palestinian state.--United States 
     assistance may not be provided to the government of a 
     unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian 
     Authority, or to any successor or related entity.
       (3) Prohibition on united states assistance to the west 
     bank and gaza.--United States assistance (except humanitarian 
     assistance) may not be provided to programs or projects in 
     the West Bank or Gaza.
       (4) Authority to withhold payment of united states 
     contributions to international organizations that recognize a 
     unilaterally declared palestinian state.--The President is 
     authorized to--
       (A) withhold up to 10 percent of the United States assessed 
     contribution to any international organization that 
     recognizes a unilaterally declared Palestinian state; and
       (B) reduce the United States voluntary contribution to any 
     international organization that recognizes a unilaterally 
     declared Palestinian state up to 10 percent below the level 
     of the United States voluntary contribution to such 
     organization in the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in 
     which such organization recognized a unilaterally declared 
     Palestinian state.
       (5) Opposition to lending by international financial 
     institutions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct 
     the United States Executive Director at each international 
     financial institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2) of 
     the International Financial Institutions Act) to use the 
     voice, vote, and influence of the United States to oppose--
       (A) membership for a unilaterally declared Palestinian 
     state in such institution, or other recognition of a 
     unilaterally declared Palestinian state by such institution; 
     and
       (B) the extension by such institution to a unilaterally 
     declared Palestinian state of any loan or other financial or 
     technical assistance.
       (6) Limitation on use of funds to extend united states 
     recognition.--No funds available under any provision of law 
     may be used to extend United States recognition to a 
     unilaterally declared Palestinian state, including, but not 
     limited to, funds for the payment of the salary of any 
     ambassador, consul, or other diplomatic personnel to such a 
     unilaterally declared state, or for the cost of establishing, 
     operating, or maintaining an embassy, consulate, or other 
     diplomatic facility in such a unilaterally declared state.
       (b) Suspension of Measures.--
       (1) In general.--The President may suspend the application 
     of any of paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (a) for a 
     period of not more than one year if, with respect to the 
     suspension of the application of each such paragraph, the 
     President determines and certifies to the Committee on 
     International Relations of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate that such 
     suspension

[[Page 19550]]

     is in the national security interest of the United States. 
     Such certification shall be accompanied by a justification 
     for the basis of the determination.
       (2) Renewal.--The President may renew the suspension of the 
     application of any of paragraphs (3) through (5) of 
     subsection (a) for a successive period or periods of not more 
     than one year if, before each such period, the President 
     makes a determination and transmits a certification in 
     accordance with paragraph (1).
       (3) Additional requirement.--A suspension of the 
     application of any of paragraphs (3) through (5) of 
     subsection (a) under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) shall 
     cease to be effective after one year or at such earlier date 
     as the President may specify.
       (c) Definition.--For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     subsection (a), the term ``United States assistance''--
       (1) means--
       (A) assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2151 et seq.), except--
       (i) assistance under chapter 8 of part I of such Act 
     (relating to international narcotics control assistance);
       (ii) assistance under chapter 9 of part I of such Act 
     (relating to international disaster assistance); and
       (iii) assistance under chapter 6 of part II of such Act 
     (relating to assistance for peacekeeping operations);
       (B) assistance under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
     2751 et seq.), including the license or approval for export 
     of defense articles and defense services under section 38 of 
     that Act; and
       (C) assistance under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; 
     and
       (2) does not include counter-terrorism assistance.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H.R. 5272, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

                              {time}  2115

  Mr. Speaker, because many of my colleagues remain extremely concerned 
about the possibility that Yasser Arafat and that the PLO will 
unilaterally declare a Palestinian state, I introduced H.R. 5272, 
legislation that underscores the need for a negotiated settlement 
between the two parties.
  Our bill, entitled Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000, H.R. 5272, 
recognizes that resolving the political status of the territory 
controlled by the Palestinian Authority is one of the central issues in 
the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Palestinian threat to declare an 
independent state unilaterally would constitute a fundamental violation 
of the underlying principles of the Oslo Accords and the Middle East 
peace process. That threat continues unabated.
  Over 18 months ago, Congress spoke with one voice about the prospects 
of any unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians. 
Nonbinding legislation was adopted by both houses stating that, ``any 
attempt to establish Palestinian statehood outside the negotiating 
process will invoke the strongest congressional opposition.''
  Because Mr. Arafat and other Palestinian officials continue to claim 
that they may very well unilaterally declare a state before the end of 
this year, many of us in this body felt the need, as a preventive 
measure, to act prior to our Congressional adjournment.
  Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5272 establishes that it is a policy 
of the United States to oppose any unilateral declaration of a 
Palestinian state and that diplomatic recognition should be withheld if 
such an act is unilaterally declared.
  As a deterrent, the bill would also prohibit all U.S. assistance to 
the Palestinians except for humanitarian aid. It would downgrade the 
PLO office in Washington in the event of a unilateral declaration.
  This bill also encourages other countries and other international 
organizations to join our Nation in withholding diplomatic recognition, 
and authorizes the President of the United States to withhold payment 
of U.S. contributions to international organizations that recognize a 
unilaterally declared Palestinian state.
  This legislation was marked up in our committee earlier today. An 
amendment was adopted giving the President limited authority to waive 
two of the five mandatory measures that are to be applied against a 
unilaterally declared Palestinian state.
  Mr. Speaker, the Peace Through Negotiations Act is a measured, but 
forceful response to any real possibility of any unilateral Palestinian 
action. Accordingly, I urge our colleagues' strong support for this 
important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) who is a co-author of this 
legislation before us today.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, we all fervently desire the successful 
conclusion of a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians 
that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to live free from violence 
and from the fear of violence. If part of such a mutually agreed, 
mutually negotiated agreement is the establishment of the Palestinian 
state with agreed upon borders, and agreed upon and acceptable security 
guarantees for Israel, I do not believe the United States would have 
any reason to object.
  But a unilaterally declared Palestinian state with no agreed upon 
borders, with territorial claims certainly conflicting with those of 
Israel, and with no security guarantees for Israel, is guaranteed to 
destroy the peace process and is very likely to result in violence and 
even war.
  That is why last July I introduced, along with the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Reynolds), the Middle East Peace Process Support Act which 
now has over 100 cosponsors and is the basis of the bill we have before 
us today. I believe this is an essential bill. I look forward to an 
overwhelmingly bipartisan vote for it.
  The Peace Through Negotiations Act is meant to send a very clear 
signal to Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority. Do not destroy 
the peace process. Do not condemn the Middle East to another round of 
violence and war by unilaterally declaring an independent Palestinian 
state. We warn you now, the United States will not recognize such a 
state. It will not give aid to such a state. It will do everything 
possible to prevent other nations from recognizing or aiding a 
unilaterally declared Palestinian state in any manner whatsoever.
  Chairman Arafat is now threatening to declare a Palestinian state 
unilaterally by mid November. Because of this continuing threat and the 
fact that Congress will not be in session in November, or we hope and 
trust that we will not be in session in November, it is imperative that 
we enact this bill now so that the Palestinian Authority understands 
that any unilateral action will produce a sharp and negative response 
from the United States. We must make clear that, if the Palestinian 
Authority unilaterally acts to destroy any prospect of a peace 
agreement and to make war and violence, very likely there will be 
severe consequences. The purpose of this bill is to deter such an 
action and those consequences.
  At the end of the most recent Camp David summit, Prime Minister Barak 
and Chairman Arafat reaffirmed the central point of the Oslo agreement 
and pledged that Israel and the Palestinian Authority would both 
refrain from any unilateral actions as well as from statements that 
would incite violence.
  If these general principles are followed and the Palestinians remain 
peacefully engaged with Israel, which has proven to be a willing and a 
generous peace partner, this legislation will not need to be invoked, 
but it will have its desired effect by making such peaceful development 
much more likely.

[[Page 19551]]

  I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman); the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), ranking member; and the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) for the hard work they have done 
in this legislation.
  I urge every Member of this House to support this bill because only a 
negotiated peace can be a lasting peace.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Nadler) for his supportive statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the 
Bronx and Westchester Counties, New York (Mr. Engel).
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Crowley) for leading, and he has clearly been a leader on this issue 
and as we saw before on the Ireland issue.
  Mr. Speaker, it seems that we have been here before. Just last year, 
I was the lead Democratic sponsor of a resolution opposing the 
unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and warning that such a 
unilateral action would provoke a stern response from this Congress.
  This measure passed overwhelmingly in the House and by unanimous 
consent in the Senate. Since then, President Clinton has worked as no 
President has since Jimmy Carter to achieve an agreement in the Middle 
East.
  After months of serious negotiations in which Israel demonstrated a 
willingness to compromise on all issues, even those of the utmost 
importance, an agreement remained out of reach.
  Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian negotiators were ultimately 
unwilling to make the compromises needed to reach a peace accord. 
Instead, they threatened the world with the possibility of unilaterally 
declaring themselves a sovereign state.
  This type of rhetoric not only falls outside of the bilateral 
framework for bridging the gap separating the Israelis and 
Palestinians, it also represents a dangerous escalation.
  If this should happen, Israel will likely respond in kind through 
unilateral actions of its own, including territorial annexation in the 
West Bank or around Jerusalem.
  Yasser Arafat recently took a tour of several European and Arab 
nations and asked for support of his nonnegotiating declaration of 
Palestinian statehood. Everywhere he went, Mr. Arafat received a polite 
``No, thank you. Please return to the bargaining table.'' Today 
Congress will emphasize that message with passage of this important 
bill.
  Arafat must know that, if the Palestinians unilaterally declare 
themselves a state, the United States will provide them no assistance 
whatsoever. The Palestinian leadership must understand that their goals 
can only be achieved in the context of direct negotiations with Israel 
and that such threats not only undermine the peace process but also put 
at risk its future relationship with the United States.
  I, therefore, strongly support H.R. 5272 and commend the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Nadler) for his hard work on the legislation.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Engel) for his strong supportive arguments.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Queens, Bronx and Westchester Counties, New York (Mrs. 
Lowey).
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5272, the Peace 
Through Negotiations Act of 2000, and urge my colleagues to support 
this important legislation.
  I especially want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) 
for his leadership on this issue and the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman). I am a proud cosponsor of his bill, the Middle East Peace 
Process Support Act, which provided the foundation for the legislation 
we are considering today.
  I share the frustration and impatience of those who have waited 
decades for a peace that will safeguard Israel's security and regional 
stability. After 7 long years of negotiations, an agreement is within 
reach, and we recognize how important it is that both parties remain 
dedicated to the completion of this difficult process. We also 
recognize the damage that could be inflicted by unilateral acts of 
irresponsible brinksmanship. Compromise, not nonnegotiable demands and 
political posturing, must guide the peace process.
  H.R. 5272 demonstrates unflinching Congressional support for a fair, 
negotiated peace agreement. This bill simply states that the United 
States will not recognize nor will it reward the unilateral declaration 
of a Palestinian state. The rejection of negotiation as the path toward 
peace is unacceptable, and we have the opportunity to make this clear 
today.
  In the coming weeks, the most difficult issues in the peace process 
will be on the table, and now, more than ever before, Israel and the 
Palestinians must show their dedication to realizing the dreams of the 
Oslo Accords. Let this legislation be a warning: If Chairman Arafat 
rejects the fundamental precept of Oslo, if he chooses to squander this 
historic opportunity for peace, the United States' response will be 
swift and unequivocal.
  I have strongly supported generous assistance for governments in the 
Middle East who have recognized the value of negotiation and 
cooperation in the pursuit of peace. But make no mistake, our foreign 
assistance is too dear to waste on regimes bent on self-destructive 
actions and guerilla tactics. We must send this message to Chairman 
Arafat today.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this bill is irrelevant. I hope its provisions 
are never tested and that negotiations between Israel and the 
Palestinians bear real fruit. But if the future brings a unilateral 
declaration of Palestinian independence and a rejection of these 
negotiations, we must remain steadfast in our support for the peace 
process and strong in our condemnation of those who would derail this 
historic opportunity. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of 
this bill.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Lowey) for her strong support of this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in firm support of H.R. 5272, the Peace 
Through Negotiations Act of 2000. The unilateral declaration of 
independence by the Palestinian Authority would negate years of 
progress made by Israel with Palestinians toward a peaceful resolution 
to their conflict.
  This bill clearly illustrates that the United States discourages such 
an action, and would strongly condemn the Palestinians should they 
choose to circumvent the peace process to which they had been a 
faithful party.
  I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) for his hard work 
in crafting this legislation. I would also like to thank the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations for recognizing the importance of a timely consideration of 
this bill.
  I have been a close observer of this peace process since its 
inception. I have witnessed the success, and I have witnessed the 
setbacks. I regret having to address the issue of restricting aid to 
the Palestinians when we are so close to reaching an understanding 
between the two parties.
  In my view, the Palestinians have a choice, stay the course towards 
peace and reap the benefits of establishing a nation conceived out of 
cooperation and negotiation or bypass the process, declare an 
independent state, and risk becoming a pariah in the international 
arena.
  As a supporter of the peace process, I am greatly concerned that 
Palestinian Authority Leader Yasser Arafat will carry through with his 
threat to create a Palestinian state with or without an agreement. 
Frankly, Mr. Speaker, I shudder to think of the repercussions resulting 
from taking such drastic action.

[[Page 19552]]

  Mr. Arafat, do not let the dream that you have worked your entire 
life for crumble in order to quell domestic political concerns. I urge 
you to choose the path to which you have been committed for nearly a 
decade, the path of peace.
  The people of Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza have suffered through 
enough violence, torment, and death during the years of struggle for 
the creation of a Palestinian state. Let us work together to ensure 
that history does not repeat itself.
  The purpose of this bill clearly states that if the Palestinian 
Authority unilaterally declares a Palestinian state, the United States' 
provision of resources to the Palestinian Authority would cease 
immediately.

                              {time}  2130

  Furthermore, the bill would prohibit the expenditure of any funds for 
the United States to formally recognize a unilaterally declared 
independent Palestinian state. As long as Mr. Barak and Mr. Arafat are 
willing to sit down together and encourage a constructive dialogue to 
resolve the issues that divide their people, the United States will do 
its part to support them in that endeavor.
  Though I hope the terms of this bill will never be realized, I 
believe it is a strong commentary on how this country, the U.S., feels 
about the prospects of peace. To that end, I encourage my colleagues to 
support H.R. 5272.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pitts). The gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman) has 17 minutes remaining.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman have any further 
speakers?
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time; and 
in closing, I wish to emphasize that this legislation represents a 
measured and an appropriate response to the very serious threat to U.S. 
interests in the Middle East posed by the continuing suggestions by 
Palestinian officials that they may unilaterally declare a Palestinian 
state. Such a declaration could deal a fatal blow to the peace process 
and would be a very grave mistake.
  Our government makes a very serious mistake if it does not make 
crystal clear to the Palestinian authorities how we would respond to 
such a step. It is for that reason that I urge strong support for this 
measure.
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5272, the Peace 
Through Negotiations Act of 2000, which expresses support for the 
Middle East peace process and the need for a negotiated settlement of 
the Arab-Israeli conflict.
  This legislation declares that U.S. policy opposes the unilateral 
declaration of a Palestinian state. Should such a unilateral 
declaration occur, this measure would prohibit all U.S. assistance to 
the Palestinians except for humanitarian aid, and would encourage other 
countries and international organizations to join the U.S. in 
withholding diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state. Further, 
this legislation would authorize the President to withhold U.S. 
contributions to international organizations that recognize a 
unilaterally declared Palestinian state.
  As a co-sponsor of H.R. 4976, similar legislation introduced by my 
colleague from New York, Jerrold Nadler, I believe it is appropriate 
for the Congress to underscore the threat posed by the unilateral 
declaration of a Palestinian state. Such a declaration would be a 
violation of the 1993 Oslo Accords, at which Israel and the 
Palestinians agreed that the determination of the eventual status of 
the Palestinian entity--as well as other final status issues--can be 
made only through agreements by both sides. It is critical for both 
parties to abide by the agreement to resolve permanent status issues 
through negotiation, not unilateral action.
  Peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel were 
scheduled to end earlier this month, on September 15, 2000. However, 
unresolved issues--borders, security, settlements, refugees, and the 
division of Jerusalem--have prevented the two sides from coming to an 
agreement. Since the unsuccessful completion of the Camp David 
negotiations in July 2000, PLO Chairman Arafat has renewed his threats 
to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state. While Chairman Arafat has 
backed off from those threats and not set a new deadline, I believe 
this legislation signifies the extent of Congressional resolve, should 
Chairman Arafat act to carry out his threat after the 106th Congress 
adjourns.
  In March 1999, both houses of Congress adopted H. Con. Res. 24, non-
binding legislation which resolved that ``any attempt to establish 
Palestinian statehood outside the negotiating process will invoke the 
strongest congressional opposition.'' The Peace Through Negotiations 
Act is a legislatively binding response, but only if a unilateral 
declaration of statehood is actually made. I believe the U.S. must 
continue to strongly support Israel and resolutely oppose the 
unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Accordingly, I urge my 
colleagues strong endorsement of this landmark legislation.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 5272, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________