Connie Mack: “A unilateral statehood declaration by chairman Arafat would constitute a gross violation of the Oslo accords, in effect…”

“A unilateral statehood declaration by chairman Arafat would constitute a gross violation of the Oslo accords, in effect ending the peace process. And any state that he might declare, outside of the peace process, would be illegitimate, irresponsible, and wrong. I am pleased to see this initiative has been cosponsored by 90 Senators as of this morning. But we must realize that this show of support grows from a very deep and heartfelt concern. We want peace to succeed, but Chairman Arafat's threat to unilaterally declare a state clearly threatens peace. Mr. President, last week in a statement on the Senate floor, I asked how can peace be reached while the Palestinian leadership teaches children to hate. Today I ask, how can peace be reached when the Palestinian leadership threatens to unilaterally impose a final status. I rise today to oppose this threat to the peace process. I hope the President will join us in making this statement to Chairman Arafat.”