[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       ABBAS' ULTIMATUM TO HAMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on 
Hamas' refusal to even come to the table to answer Palestinian 
President Mahmoud Abbas' recent ultimatum.
  Eleven days ago, President Abbas demanded that Hamas government 
recognize the 1967 borders with Israel threatening to take the plan to 
a public referendum. President Abbas' plan would establish a 
Palestinian State and allow for all Palestinian refuges to return to 
their homes within Israel. Hamas' refusal to even consider this plan 
shows just how extreme Hamas is.
  Hamas is responsible for the tragic deaths of thousands of innocent 
Israelis and Americans, including women and children. It has refused to 
take part in any peace talks, including the Oslo Accords. It has 
refused to participate in previous, formal governmental operations that 
have worked with Israel. And it has actively recruited children to 
accomplish their malevolent and homicidal agenda.
  I commend President Abbas for attempting to bridge the gap between 
the Hamas government and Middle East peace. I stand steadfast in 
support of our ally, Israel. And I urge the world to recognize Hamas 
for what it truly is--an organization bent on extremism and hate and a 
roadblock on the path to peace in the Middle East.

                          ____________________