Aid Held If Independence Declared or UN Recognition Sought, Incitement Must Be Ended For Peace To Occur

Washington, DC -- The House Committee on Foreign Affairs yesterday adopted two amendments written by Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-17) to condition assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA).  The amendments block aid for the PA if it declares independence or seeks UN recognition, and requires it to end incitement and prepares its people for peace with Israel.

"If the Palestinians proceed with their Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) or seek recognition at the United Nations, the U.S. should cut assistance to the PA.  My amendment will do just that," said Rep. Engel.

"One of the main reasons the Oslo peace process failed is because the Palestinians refused to prepare their people for peace.  My amendment, the Preparing the Palestinian People for Peace Act, says that we shouldn't help the PA unless it ends incitement and starts preparing the people for peace," said Rep. Engel.

The UDI amendment passed by a vote of 44-0 and the Preparing the Palestinian People for Peace Act passed by unanimous voice vote.

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