Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, 1 month ago today, President Bush made a very important speech on the Middle East. He said that the United States would support the establishment of a Palestinian state, but only if Palestinian leaders meet specific benchmarks, including reformed, noncorrupted political processes, a new leadership not compromised by terror, and a unified restructured security force. I strongly supported the President's speech and his plan. The Palestinians need new leaders. Yasar Arafat is too compromised by terrorism, not only to fight Hamas and Islamic jihad, but to stand up to elements of the PLO itself. Under Arafat's watch, his own PLO Fatah faction, which includes the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, has established a long track record of terror attacks against innocent Israeli civilians. The Palestinians deserve leaders who will stand up for their interests, not turn down peace plans like the one presented at Camp David 22 months ago. I agree with the President that the Palestinian Authority's security apparatus must be reformed so that it can effectively fight terrorism, and I am glad that CIA Director Tenet will take personal hold of this project.”