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July 27, 2011

Israel, U.S. Denounce Palestinian Statehood Bid at United Nations 
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The Obama administration and the Israeli government are continuing a
vocal campaign to quash the Palestinian statehood bid at the United
Nations. Palestinians are seeking a vote in September that would
recognize an independent Palestinian state in the Occupied Territories.
Speaking before the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Israel's
Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor, as well deputy U.S. envoy
Rosemary Dicarlo, offered matching positions.

Ron Prosor: "First let me state clearly, unilateral actions will not
bring peace to our region. Like a false idol, the Palestinian actions at
the United Nations may be superficially attractive to some, yet they
distract from the true path to peace."

Rosemary Dicarlo: "Let there be no doubt, symbolic actions to isolate
Israel at the United Nations in September will not create an independent
Palestinian state. The United States will not support unilateral
campaigns at the United Nations in September or any other time."

Both the House and Senate have threatened to cut off aid if Palestinians
continue with their statehood bid. Also addressing the Security Council,
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said Israel's refusal to end the
occupation remains the lone obstacle to peace.

Riyad Mansour: We have fulfilled our responsibilities and are ready to
govern ourselves. The only remaining obstacle is Israel's 44-year
military occupation. Our people have legitimate rights, needs and
demands, and it is our duty to listen and act responsibly to advance
their just cause. We can not keep waiting for Israel to negotiate in
good faith, an almost impossible matter so long as the occupier
continues to be absolved of its obligations under international law and
as long as might is permitted to trump right."



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