AIPAC lauds U.S. House resolution opposing unilateral declaration of Palestinian state

Resolution urges Palestinian leaders to cease all efforts at circumventing negotiations, including efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations.

 

America's largest pro-Israel lobby AIPAC lauded Thursday the United States House resolution opposing unilateral declaration of Palestinian state, and called for the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
"AIPAC supports the House's call for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its strong opposition to efforts to seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an Israeli-Palestinian agreement," a statement released by the Jewish organization read.

"We join the House in support of the Obama Administration's opposition to a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and join it in calling on the Administration to persuade other nations to oppose such a declaration,' the statement added.
The resolution calls on the U.S. administration to "deny recognition to any unilaterally declared Palestinian state and veto any resolution by the United Nations Security Council to establish or recognize a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated by the two parties.

It also urges Palestinian leaders to "cease all efforts at circumventing the negotiation process, including efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations, within the United Nations, and in other international forums prior to achievement of a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians… and calls upon foreign governments not to extend such recognition."
Earlier this week, the European Union decided not to recognize unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, as such a move could harm efforts to resume the Middle East peace process.
The 27 EU foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels a day after chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat wrote a letter to foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, urging the body to back its efforts to rope in the international community.
The EU ministers agreed to help Gaza authorities expand the capacity of their border crossings by buying and installing security equipment, training border personnel and building up the road network.