§   the Israeli-Palestinian dispute remains one of the key underlying causes of instability in the Middle East and

               greater Muslim world.

   §   diplomacy must be made a central component of U.S. policy in the Middle East.

   §   it is directly in the national interest of the United States to reengage both sides of this dispute in an urgent manner.

   §   the creation of a lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians will reduce tension in the region and help repair

               America's image in the international community.
 

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Talking Points

S.594 - Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2007 - would limit the use, sale and transfer of cluster munitions and limit the use of cluster munitions to only clearly defined military targets. The CMEP coalition of churches and church-related agencies joins a growing number of humanitarian, human rights and arms control organizations urging the U.S. to responsibly regulate the use of unreliable, inaccurate cluster munitions that cause great harm to innocent civilians. The requirements set by S. 594 regarding cleaning up hazardous cluster munitions would save lives and the livelihood of civilian populations.

The problem of cluster munitions, which overwhelmingly kill and maim civilians, is a global problem that was made evident in Lebanon last summer. The United Nations estimates that 40% of the cluster bombs, including cluster munitions supplied by the United States, launched by Israel into Lebanon failed to explode. As children and families returned to their homes and fields, unexploded bomblets have killed at least 22 including six children; and 133, including 47 children, have been injured.

H.Res.143 - Urging the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace - sends a message to the Administration that the House of Representatives recognizes and supports the sustained diplomacy required to solve the complex issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rep. Susan A. Davis (CA), the resolution's sponsor, said on the House floor, "I am calling on all my colleagues to help me send a message that we need a new approach. We need a special envoy with the authority to bring all the responsible parties to the table." This resolution currently has 11 cosponsors: Blumenauer (OR), Capuano (MA), Ellison (MN), Klein (FL), McCollum (MN), Moore (WI), Murphy (PA), Price (NC), Schiff (CA), Schwartz (PA) and Snyder (AR).