The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S5483-S5484 on Sept. 12, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to express my thoughts and my concerns about an issue of the utmost importance; that is, the Israel-Palestinian peace process.
Tomorrow, September 13, 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations will commence with its 66th session in New York. Every year, member nations come together to debate and discuss the important issues facing the world at the United Nations General Assembly. While there will be a variety of issues on the agenda this year, I am extremely concerned about one issue specifically.
Over the last several months, Palestinian Authority President Abbas has repeatedly voiced his intention to formally request statehood recognition and full membership in the United Nations. In July, the Arab League endorsed this irresponsible ploy. Regrettably, President Abbas intends to make the formal request during this session of the United Nations General Assembly.
I oppose the decision of the Palestinian Authority to seek a declaration of statehood by the United Nations. The unilateral action of the Palestinian Authority is intended to circumvent the peace process. It is not a good-faith effort to achieve peace in the Middle East but, to me, rather it is a political maneuver.
The United Nations should not be interfering or intervening in this complex process and should refrain from passing unilateral declarations on issues that are part of ongoing direct negotiations by the parties. The decision about borders and statehood should be achieved through a final agreement, an agreement between the Government of Israel and the Palestinians.
The United Nations should refrain from dictating and imposing a final decision on statehood for a territory of one of its own current member nations. To me, this will only make matters worse. It will make this situation worse because the consequences to the peace process are grave.
The ability to move forward with an agreement is weakened and greatly diminished by these types of tactics. The best path to peace is through direct negotiations between the two parties, not through a manipulation at the United Nations. The United States continues to support a two-
state solution as a means to ending the conflict. It is based on the belief that it is the only way to achieve a true and lasting peace between these two parties.
Instead of embarking on the time-consuming campaign to gain support in the United Nations General Assembly, the Palestinian leadership should be working directly with Israel on creating a real and sustainable peace agreement.
The request for recognition by the United Nations is part of a terrible emerging trend from the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority continues to engage in troubling behavior that is contrary to peace.
On May 4, the Palestinian Authority reached an agreement with the terrorist group, Hamas, to create a unity government. It is outrageous that the Palestinian Authority would be willing to unite with a known terrorist group that is infamously recognized for its destructive acts of violence.
Since 1997 Hamas has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization. Hamas terrorists are responsible for the murders of American citizens. It is also important to note that the agreement between Hamas and the Palestine Authority does not require Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist, to accept the previous Israel-Palestinian agreements, or to renounce terrorism.
Hamas continues to be fundamentally opposed to a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It is apparent there is no path to a peaceful resolution when part of the Palestinian unity government is dedicated to the destruction of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this point very clear when he addressed the joint session of Congress on May 24 of this year. He stated, ``Peace can only be negotiated with partners committed to peace.''
Furthermore, it is completely unacceptable for U.S. assistance to go the Palestinian Authority when it includes Hamas. The Palestinian Authority received approximately $500 million in U.S. foreign assistance in fiscal year 2010. Hard-earned U.S. taxpayer funds must not be funneled into the pockets of terrorists.
History shows this is not the first attempt by the Palestinians to use the United Nations to circumvent peace negotiations and declare statehood. The Palestinians sought to change their status at the United Nations through the World Health Organization. At that time, Secretary of State James Baker publicly warned that he would recommend that the United States stop funding any international organization that changed the Palestinian status as an observer organization.
Americans are keenly aware that a significant portion of the United Nations' budget is paid by the United States. As the biggest financial contributor to the United Nations, the United States contributed almost
$7.7 billion in fiscal year 2010 to the United Nations system. The United States should not be providing funding for an international institution that circumvents an established peace process and that threatens the security of our allies.
The United States and Israel share a long and deep alliance. Israel is a friend and ally and a strategic partner to the United States. Both Israel and the United States understand the values of life, liberty, opportunity, security, and freedom.
Throughout Israel's history, the country has worked to build a democratic nation in the face of severe obstacles. Israel is a shining example of democracy in the Middle East. As Israel faces real danger from its neighbors, the people of Israel continue to show great strength and perseverance as they seek peace.
On May 22, President Obama explained that no vote at the United Nations would create an independent Palestinian State. On May 25, the President expressed his concern about the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to seek statehood at the United Nations and referred to it as a ``mistake.''
The Department of State continues to reiterate that Israel and the Palestinian Authority need to work out the differences between themselves in direct negotiations. The United States has been very clear that we will use veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block any attempt by the Palestinians for state recognition or United Nations membership.
The Obama administration must use all of its resources to block similar actions in the General Assembly and other United Nations organizations. President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton must press the Palestinian Authority to abandon its erroneous decision and return to the negotiating table with Israel.
It is also imperative that other international leaders understand the implications of these efforts and join the United States in opposing them. Nations must stand together to decry the attempt to circumvent direct peace process negotiations.
The Palestinian Authority must also understand that its actions will have serious implications to the U.S.-Palestinian relations and U.S. assistance. The recent actions of the Palestinian Authority indicate to this Senator that the United States has no choice but to suspend funding assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
Today, I call on Congress to terminate funding assistance to the Palestinian Authority. I believe Congress must also evaluate and significantly cut funding to the United Nations if any change to the status of the Palestinian Authority is approved by the General Assembly.
I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
