Political Quotes

“S. Con. Res. 5 expresses congressional opposition to a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and urges President Clinton to unequivocally assert United States opposition to such a declaration. I agree with the sponsors of this resolution that it would be extremely unwise for the Palestinian Authority to take such a provocative and destabilizing step. In open forums and behind closed doors the administration has expressed repeatedly its opposition to any unilateral action by either Palestinians or Israelis which would predetermine issues reserved for final status negotiations. There is no doubt that the United States firmly opposes a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Such a declaration would be a violation of the principles contained in the Oslo Accords, and it could imperil the hard won but fragile agreement reached at Wye River. A unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state would throw the entire process into reverse. It would be a serious mistake. So I support S. Con. Res. 5 as far as it goes, Unfortunately, it does not reflect the inescapable fact that there are two sides to the Middle East Conflict.”