Wednesday, March 5, 2008
After the Government refused to get involved in Civil matters regarding court decisions against the PLO, the Administration is trying to free up $150 million for the Palestinian Authority. Members of Congress are trying to stop it: Lowey, Ros-Lehtinen seek hold on P.A. cash
...U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House's powerful foreign operations subcommittee, wrote Tuesday to the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administers assistance to the Palestinians, asking it to stop the transfer of $150 million to the Palestinian Authority until it provides certification that the Palestinian Authority has implemented transparency measures.
Lowey also wants clarification of P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas' reported refusal to disavow a return to armed conflict with Israel.
"President Abbas' recent statements cast doubt on his willingness to take the steps necessary for peace with Israel," Lowey said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also sought a "hold" -- with even broader conditions for releasing the money: proof that the Palestinian Authority had halted incitement.
"Statements by Mr. Abbas clearly violate, at minimum, the spirit of U.S. law regarding such hateful rhetoric," she said...
I watched this on cspan tonight. It was astonishing to watch John Negroponte try to claim, in the face of clear evidence to the contrary, that Abbas is "a force for peace".
I'm certain that, if they gave me the $150 million, I could bring peace to the ME faster than Abbas could.