On the recordJanuary 27, 1994
the Arab League boycott--always repugnant--is now especially anachronistic and an obstacle to peace. Everyone agrees that in large measure the success of the peace efforts now underway will depend upon whether peace produces tangible benefits for the parties involved. In part, that means jobs and economic development. For the Arab States to encourage the administration to contribute American tax dollars to the development of the West Bank and Gaza at the very time that they are seeking to strangle economic activities with Israel and discriminating against American companies is intolerable. I commend the Senator from Colorado for his leadership on this issue and for his willingness to craft an amendment which both strongly expresses the repugnance which the Congress feels for the Arab League boycott and yet at the same time gives the administration considerable flexibility to use the amendment to compliment its efforts. The administration has made admirable efforts to have the boycott lifted. This issue has received the sustained personal attention of the Secretary. And others within the administration. This amendment is not intended to express frustration with their considerable efforts. On the contrary. It is intended to supplement their efforts by giving them another tool. It permits the administration to continue their diplomatic efforts for 1 full year before the sanctions even take effect.
