AAF urges US to recognize new
Palestinian government
For Immediate Release
Contact Aref Assaf (973-960-2673)
Paterson, NJ - March 17, 2007: A prominent advocacy group, the America Arab
Forum (AAF), strongly urges the United States government to extend full
diplomatic recognition to the newly created Palestinian unity government. This
25 member cabinet is comprised of representatives of a cross-section of the
Palestinian people and political affiliations. The US has opted for a
wait-and-see position pending future decisions by the new cabinet regarding the
four demands by the Quartet.
Aref Assaf, president of AAF, stated, "We believe the US should not withhold
diplomatic recognition as this action will also imply continued financial
blockade of the Palestinian people who have suffered greatly since the last
Hamas government was elected over a year ago. We believe the US should recognize
the newly formed government under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Additionally, the US should immediately pursue a sustained diplomatic offensive
to bridge the differences between Israel and the Palestinians." Assaf added that
"Israel has persisted in violating critical agreements in which the US was a
cosigner, such as the freezing of settlements expansion and easing the
humanitarian conditions imposed on the Palestinians as a result of Israel's
continued military occupation."
As the Arab countries will soon revitalize the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, the
US ought to send an important positive signal that it seeks to facilitate- not
impede future moves towards a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israel conflict.
By engaging the new government, the US-sponsored Road Map will be a step closer
to realization. End |
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