EVANSTON,
IL – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who returned earlier in
the week from Israel, today hailed the agreement reached between the Israeli
government and the Palestinian Authority. The agreement lays out a timetable
to achieving final peace within one year.
Schakowsky
called the signing of a revised version of the Wye River accord a positive
step towards reaching comprehensive peace in the region and lasting security
for Israel.
Schakowsky
said, "During my recent visit to Israel, the overwhelming sentiment from
government officials and others was clear – it is time for peace.
I strongly believe that today's agreement is a major milestone in reaching
comprehensive peace in the region. It is also a critical step forward towards
ensuring the lasting security of Israel and its citizens.
"I
am also hopeful that today's action will open the lines of communications
between Israel and its neighbors, especially Syria and Lebanon, and further
the cause of peace.
"It
is now the responsibility of the United States Congress to help build that
lasting peace and security by appropriating the necessary funds to implement
the Wye River agreement. That is the message that my colleagues and
I heard during our lengthy meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Barak and
Chairman Arafat.
"As
we approach the next millennium, I am encouraged that more than half a
century of conflict could finally come to an end."
|