Benjamin Gilman: “because many of my colleagues remain extremely concerned about the possibility that Yasser Arafat and that the PLO will…”

“because many of my colleagues remain extremely concerned about the possibility that Yasser Arafat and that the PLO will unilaterally declare a Palestinian state, I introduced H.R. 5272, legislation that underscores the need for a negotiated settlement between the two parties. Our bill, entitled Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000, H.R. 5272, recognizes that resolving the political status of the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority is one of the central issues in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Palestinian threat to declare an independent state unilaterally would constitute a fundamental violation of the underlying principles of the Oslo Accords and the Middle East peace process. That threat continues unabated. Over 18 months ago, Congress spoke with one voice about the prospects of any unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians. Nonbinding legislation was adopted by both houses stating that, ``any attempt to establish Palestinian statehood outside the negotiating process will invoke the strongest congressional opposition.'' Because Mr. Arafat and other Palestinian officials continue to claim that they may very well unilaterally declare a state before the end of this year, many of us in this body felt the need, as a preventive measure, to act prior to our Congressional adjournment.”