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“U.F. STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN RESOLUTION” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1983 on Nov. 2, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
U.F. STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN RESOLUTION
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HON. CLIFF STEARNS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Florida's Student Body Government, and to submit for the record their resolution supporting the U.S. commitment to a negotiated settlement of Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
The University of Florida Student Government was established in 1909, and represents the interests of the student body. As representatives for the students of the University of Florida, this student government body has put forth Resolution 2011-138, which calls for the continuation of peaceful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and to oppose any attempt seeking a unilateral declaration of statehood from the United Nations.
The students of the University of Florida hereby resolve:
Resolution Supporting the U.S. Commitment to a Negotiated Settlement of
Palestinian Conflict Through Direct Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, and Calling Upon the United States to Oppose Unilateral Palestinian
Efforts of Declaring Independence in the United Nations.
Whereas, a true and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian people can only be achieved through direct negotiations between two legitimate parties and the acceptance of Israel's right to exist; and
Whereas, direct negotiations between two legitimate parties to ensure an agreement that acknowledges both historical territorial claims to land while also taking into account the current demographic and security realities; and
Whereas, Hamas, an organization responsible for the death of hundreds of Israeli and American civilians, has been designated by the United States State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and is in control of the Gaza strip; and
Whereas, Hamas has held merger talks with the Palestinian Authority and continues to forcefully reject the possibility of peace with Israel, and
Whereas, refusing to come to the table and negotiate despite President Obama's direct request for a meeting following the Israeli nine month settlement freeze, the Palestinian Authority is preventing any constructive dialogue from taking place that could eventually lead to the formation of a Palestinian state; and
Whereas, the Palestinian Authority attempting to gain full membership at the United Nations through a unilateral declaration of statehood is counterproductive to the peace process; and
Whereas, a poll done by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion showed that eighty-three percent of Palestinians cited job creation as the most pressing issue, with only four percent citing UN recognition of Palestinian statehood as the most important; and
Whereas, of that same poll only forty percent of Palestinians think that the UN vote will actually help to bring about an independent Palestinian state; and
Whereas, the United States passed H. Res 268 and S. Bill 185 calling on the Administration to block the Palestinian Authority's efforts at the United Nations, and to cut foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority in the event of a unilateral declaration, and
Whereas, the Obama administration has publicly criticized the Palestinian Authority's push for an unsustainable unilateral declaration, then be it
Resolved That the University of Florida Student Senate, on behalf of the students of the University of Florida, join our elected officials in support of a peaceful, two-state solution through direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis; and be it further
Resolved That the students of the University of Florida support a halt to any efforts for a unilateral declaration of statehood at the United Nations and that the Palestinian Authority terminates its association with Hamas, so that it may be considered a legitimate partner for peace.
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