RELATED:'Palestinian state bid uproots concept of int'l diplomacy'Quartet meeting to attempt to restart talks likely in JulyThe measure declares that the Senate “will consider restrictions on aid to the Palestinian Authority should it persist in efforts to circumvent direct negotiations by turning to the United Nations or other international bodies.”It also calls on US President Barack Obama to veto any such UN proposal and to lead an international diplomatic campaign against the Palestinian effort.In addition, the resolution urges the Obama administration to consider suspending aid to the Palestinians in light of the recent unity government agreement between Fatah and Hamas.Should that deal be implemented, the resolution stated, current law would prohibit the flow of US monies to the new government unless all ministers accepted the right of Israel to exist and honored previous agreements between Israel and the PA.“The Senate has delivered a clear message to the international community that United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state at this time does not further the peace process," Cardin said in a statement. "A permanent and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations." Maine Republican Susan Collins, who joined Cardin in sponsoring the resolution, warned that "any effort to seek unilateral statehood at the United Nations will have serious consequences for future US aid to the Palestinians.”She added, “The road to peace is through negotiations, not subverting them and making a case before the United Nations.”The US House of Representatives is soon due to consider a similar resolution, proposed by Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. It currently has 289 co-sponsors, or slightly more than half of the members of the House.The Senate vote was warmly welcomed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
US Senators warn of aid cutoff if PA goes to UN
Washington passes resolution saying aid to Palestinians may be restricted if efforts to circumvent direct talks persist.
RELATED:'Palestinian state bid uproots concept of int'l diplomacy'Quartet meeting to attempt to restart talks likely in JulyThe measure declares that the Senate “will consider restrictions on aid to the Palestinian Authority should it persist in efforts to circumvent direct negotiations by turning to the United Nations or other international bodies.”It also calls on US President Barack Obama to veto any such UN proposal and to lead an international diplomatic campaign against the Palestinian effort.In addition, the resolution urges the Obama administration to consider suspending aid to the Palestinians in light of the recent unity government agreement between Fatah and Hamas.Should that deal be implemented, the resolution stated, current law would prohibit the flow of US monies to the new government unless all ministers accepted the right of Israel to exist and honored previous agreements between Israel and the PA.“The Senate has delivered a clear message to the international community that United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state at this time does not further the peace process," Cardin said in a statement. "A permanent and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations." Maine Republican Susan Collins, who joined Cardin in sponsoring the resolution, warned that "any effort to seek unilateral statehood at the United Nations will have serious consequences for future US aid to the Palestinians.”She added, “The road to peace is through negotiations, not subverting them and making a case before the United Nations.”The US House of Representatives is soon due to consider a similar resolution, proposed by Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. It currently has 289 co-sponsors, or slightly more than half of the members of the House.The Senate vote was warmly welcomed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Wednesday.