Cord Byrd: “our indefatigable negotiator with responsibility for mediating the outstanding, difficult issues between the Israeli…”

“our indefatigable negotiator with responsibility for mediating the outstanding, difficult issues between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian authorities is back at work in the Middle East. The peace process was derailed by the intemperate action by the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, in supporting new Israeli settlements in Jerusalem. There appears little doubt that, regardless of the failings of Mr. Arafat to fully restrain Palestinian reactions to this action, the Israeli leader bears very heavy responsibility to undo the mischief which brought that elaborate tango of negotiations and actions called the peace process crashing down. Now we read of an unfolding, unprecedented scandal centered around that same Prime Minister. I have no judgment to make on that, but I hope that, as I have said before on this floor, Mr. Netanyahu will rise above the pressures on him, particularly from his right wing, and face history squarely. It is up to him to make the crucial moves that will halt the settlement construction, and take a courageous step. I call upon him, again, to do this, for the sake of the people of Israel and the Palestinians. It is important that the Clinton administration continue to take the position that the settlement construction must be halted. Ambassador Ross is reported today to be pressing the Prime Minister to do so. The United States has an important stake in this matter.”