http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=1791Noting Reports of Fatah-Hamas Deal, Ros-Lehtinen Calls for End of U.S. Assistance to Palestinian Authority.
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that Abu Mazen’s Fatah faction and Hamas, a Foreign Terrorist Organization, have agreed to form a joint Palestinian Authority (PA) government. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“The reported agreement between Fatah and Hamas means that a Foreign Terrorist Organization which has called for the destruction of Israel will be part of the Palestinian Authority government. U.S. taxpayer funds should not and must not be used to support those who threaten U.S. security, our interests, and our vital ally, Israel.
“According to existing U.S. law, such a hybrid government cannot be a recipient of U.S. taxpayer funds because the law stipulates that the PA government must recognize the Jewish state of Israel’s right to exist, among other things. Therefore, in order to implement existing law, the U.S. must end assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
“By entering into this partnership with Hamas, Abu Mazen’s Palestinian leadership has shown again that it is not a partner for peace. If reports are correct, the PA would then be standing with those who want only death and destruction for Israel.
“The Israeli and Palestinian people are eager for peace, but support for this type of PA government is not the way to get there.”
BACKGROUND: Ros-Lehtinen authored the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, which became Public Law 109-446 on December 21, 2006. The law conditions U.S. assistance to the Palestinian leadership on the latter’s compliance with its obligations to renounce and combat violent extremism, abide by its existing agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist.
Topic: Noting Reports of Fatah-Hamas Deal, Ros-Lehtinen Calls for End of U.S. Assistanc (Read 1646 times)