Velázquez on U.N. Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlement Activity

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passage of a U.N. Security Council Resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity.  The United States abstained from voting on the Resolution.
 
“Passage of this resolution will not bring us closer to peace, but rather create greater division within this troubled region.  The United States' abstention from this vote is particularly disappointing and sends the wrong signal to Israel and the world. The United States must - and will -remain a steadfast ally of Israel.    

“By refusing to acknowledge Palestinian responsibility for incitement of violence or their refusal to resume talks with the Israelis, this one-sided Resolution will not advance the cause of peace and, in fact, may lead to greater violence.    

“The only way to achieve meaningful Israeli-Palestinian peace is with direct negotiations between the parties and I will continue working to see that objective achieved.”