[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 334]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               PALESTINIAN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, while we are still awaiting final 
certification of the election results, it is apparent that the Islamic 
Resistance Movement, or Hamas, has obtained a significant number of 
seats in the new Palestinian legislative council. Despite its electoral 
success, Hamas remains a terrorist organization that has refused to 
renounce its fundamental commitment to the destruction of Israel and to 
the use of violence to achieve its goals.
  Electoral results do not change the fact that a lasting, viable peace 
can only be obtained through a two-state solution. Hamas must use its 
electoral success as an opportunity to renounce its violent platform 
and to join in a coalition dedicated to achieving peace in the region. 
Renouncing terrorism and violence and accepting the right of Israel to 
exist are essential steps toward fulfilling the desire of the 
Palestinian people for a peaceful representative democracy.

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