~April 27, 2005~

April 27, 2005

Dear Senator,

As you work in conference with House Appropriators to resolve differences related to the provision of aid to the Palestinians in the FY05 Supplemental we appeal for legislation and report language that is appropriate for this historic moment of real opportunity for progress toward peace. 

The President’s request for emergency aid for the Palestinians is intended to provide not only greatly-needed assistance to the Palestinian people but also to show U.S. government support for Palestinian democracy and for Palestinian leaders who are committed to non-violence.  The new restrictions, conditions and limitations that the House, and to a lesser extent the Senate, has placed on the aid undermines the President’s intent and undercuts the leadership that the Administration is prepared to take, and must take, if a two-state solution of the conflict is be achieved.

While we understand the importance and efficacy of providing aid to non-governmental organizations, we must ask why the Congress would work to prohibit the President from making a decision to give the money to the Palestinian Authority, which is the only body authorized to provide security.

On Monday, the Middle East Institute sponsored a panel of the primary negotiators from previous administrations. Dennis Ross emphasized the necessity and “high urgency” of the United States helping Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas succeed. “We need labor intensive projects to put Palestinians to work now,” as well as money for pensions to retire security forces and for security coordination.

The Congress should be working with the Administration to strengthen the hand of Mr. Abbas, who have demonstrated a commitment to resolving this conflict nonviolently, and Finance Minister Salam Fayyad. The Senate Appropriation conferees should encourage their House colleagues to see the wisdom of endorsing the President’s commitment to “support Palestinian political, economic and security reforms.”

Sincerely,

 J. Daryl Byler                           Corinne Whitlatch

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