Political Quotes

“I oppose any unilateral action, by any of the parties to the Oslo Agreement and the Wye River Agreement that would endanger further progress in the Middle East peace process. I agree with the many observers who believe that for the Palestinian authority to declare a Palestinian state, at this time, would be disruptive and dangerous for the Middle East peace process. Such a unilateral declaration could also have a negative impact on the upcoming elections in Israel. While the Palestinian people do have the right of self determination, the declaration and establishment of a Palestinian state is an issue best dealt with in the context of a negotiated, comprehensive peace agreement. I also agree with the remarks of Mr. Dennis Ross, President Clinton's chief Middle East peace negotiator, regarding the negative impact on the peace process of the current Israeli government's continued push to build and expand Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Such settlement activity not only creates 'new facts on the ground' but they create real obstacles to the completion of a fair and enduring peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian people. I will support this resolution today.”