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Post by Moses on Feb 9, 2006 15:56:35 GMT -5
Nonsense of CongressIt's not just ethics reform that has lawmakers falling over themselves. Hamas' surprise showing in Palestinian legislative elections has led to the introduction of a slew of bills affecting not only US aid to Palestinians, but also the relationship between the United States and Palestinian officials in general. Not surprisingly, these bills are neither mindful of current law nor beneficial to US interests. For example, Senator John Thune (R-SD) introduced a "Sense of Congress" resolution which states that "no United States assistance should be provided directly to the Palestinian Authority if any representative political party holding a majority of parliamentary seats within the Palestinian Authority maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel." Seeing as current US law forbids direct assistance to the PA regardless of its makeup, this resolution—which passed by unanimous consent—would actually loosen restrictions on aid. We're guessing that wasn't the desired effect.
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Post by Moses on Feb 9, 2006 16:39:53 GMT -5
Urge Congress and Sec. Rice to Continue US Aid to the Palestinian People! The stunning results of last week's Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) election has raised serious question about the future of US aid to the Palestinian people. To protect US interests in the region and avoid a humanitarian disaster in the West Bank and Gaza, it is imperative that the Quartet—the United States, European Union, United Nations, and Russia—reiterate their commitment to providing development assistance, humanitarian aid, and support for building democratic institutions in the West Bank and Gaza. Some Members of Congress have moved beyond rhetoric to introduce legislation that would stop US aid to Palestinians. This grandstanding is poisoning the public debate. Tell Secretary Rice and your Member of Congress: • The United States does not send money to the Palestinian Authority. According to US law, funds cannot be transferred to the Palestinian Authority unless directed by presidential waiver. • US foreign aid is managed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). All money for Palestinian projects is disbursed to private contractors and nongovernmental organizations chosen and monitored by USAID. Recipients of US funds for projects in the West Bank and Gaza include American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), Save the Children, UNICEF, the Academy for Educational Development, and AMIDEAST. • In the State of the Union address, President Bush said, "Raising up a democracy requires the rule of law, and protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote." We must remain committed to building the institutions that support a democracy—rule of law, an independent judiciary, vibrant civil society, and a free press. In fact, our aid programs do just that. • It is in our nation's interest to support President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas has reiterated his commitment to a negotiated two-state solution and, as President of the Palestinian Authority, retains veto power over any legislation that comes out of the PLC. A withdrawal of US funds could result in the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, essentially creating a "failed state" in the West Bank and Gaza. • US foreign aid strengthens Palestinian civil society, empowering moderates to affect change in their government. US disengagement as a punishment for the results of an election it actively supported could cause a breakdown in civil society. This vacuum could lead to civil war or increased interference from regional players. • US involvement on the Palestinian issue affects our image throughout the Arab and Muslim world. USAID programs, which improve the daily lives of the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid, the empowerment of civil society, and fostering democratic institutions is a fundamental element of any successful public diplomacy strategy. • Under the motto "from people to people," The US Agency for International Development (USAID) provides aid to the Palestinian people through six main pillars: economic growth, water resources, democracy and governance, health, community services, and higher education.
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