Post by bot on Jun 5, 2016 16:35:40 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on Paris Conference
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today as Secretary of State John Kerry participates in a conference in Paris aimed at restarting peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders:
“While U.S. participation in the talks taking place today in Paris may help shape the discussion, I remain very concerned that attendance by a cabinet-level U.S. official could send a signal that outside powers have a license to impose the contours of a settlement on Israelis and Palestinians. That must never be the case. Only the parties themselves, through bilateral negotiations, can reach a final peace agreement to determine the future course for both. That the parties themselves have not even been invited to the Paris conference further makes it imperative that the meeting not seek to require action on the part of either party.
“I hope that Secretary Kerry will use his attendance at the conference to maintain forcefully – both publicly and privately – the position that no settlement may be imposed from the outside. I would encourage participants to focus on practical ways to improve both the situation on the ground and the daily lives of Israelis and Palestinians. This includes identifying solutions that address Israel’s pressing security needs, such as the potential for a rocket offensive from Gaza or Lebanon, tunneling threats, and regional stability.
“The United States has always been a key friend and ally to Israel, and our nation has an important role to play in assuring Israel’s leaders and its people regarding their country’s safety should bilateral negotiations with the Palestinians resume. I will be following developments from Paris closely as they unfold.”