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Gosar Speaks Out in Favor of Negotiated Settlement of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Supports H. Res. 268-Reaffirming the United States commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                July 7, 2011

CONTACT:                                                                                                                Hannah Loy

          202-225-2315

Gosar Speaks Out in Favor of Negotiated Settlement of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Supports H. Res. 268-Reaffirming the United States commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-01) took to the Floor of the House of Representatives on July 6, 2011 to express his strong support of H. Res. 268.  This resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations by the parties. 

Gosar stated that resolution establishes that ultimate peace will mean “two states, a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.”

Gosar further stated his concern that in order to be recognized as a state among nations, the Palestinian Authority must renounce terrorism and support Israel’s right to co-exist, explaining that, “to create or recognize a state that itself will not first forsake terrorism, violence, ethnic hatred and genocide” would violate acceptable norms.    H. Res. 268 passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support 407 to 6 on July 7, 2011.

Click Here to Watch Congressman Gosar's Statement on H.Res. 268

Here is the complete text of Congressman Gosar’s speech:

“I rise today in strong support for House Resolution 268.  This resolution reaffirms Congressional support for direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an effort to achieve peace in this over six decade long struggle.

While the Palestinian pursuit of a state is understandable, the attempt to bypass the peace process by going first to the United Nations is inappropriate.  It is a disgrace, and an offense to the U.N. Charter and all acceptable norms of international law, to create or recognize a state that itself will not first forsake terrorism, violence, ethnic hatred and genocide.  If a vote for Palestinian statehood comes to the UN Security Council the US must veto, and do so until a peace agreement is achieved between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Now is not the time for either party to remove themselves from the negotiating table ‑ peace will not be attained with only one side seeking it. I urge my colleagues to assert the American commitment to direct negotiations by supporting H.Res. 268.”

·         Text of H. Res. 268-Reaffirming the United States commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

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