~December 15, 2006~

December 15, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush

The White House

Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President,  

As the Christmas season approaches, the troubled Holy Land is forefront in our thoughts and prayers.  With hopes for a resolution of this tragic conflict, Churches for Middle East Peace urges your support of the Baker-Hamilton report’s call for “a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts.” We encourage your heightened attention to diplomatic efforts as the path to peace and regional stability.  

We ask you to place special emphasis on the urgent need for international support for a negotiated peace that adheres to UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, supports President Abbas and the PA to prepare for negotiations, consolidates the current cease-fire and supports a Palestinian unity government – all with the goal of sustainable negotiations leading to a final peace settlement that addresses the key issues and ends the conflict.  

Additionally, we appreciated Secretary Rice’s comment, at the Nov. 30 press conference with President Abbas, that actions taken now will not be considered by the United States to have prejudged the outcome of a final status agreement. Churches for Middle East Peace is particularly concerned about the impact of the separation barrier that Israel is building in and around Jerusalem and Bethlehem.   

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 churches and church-related organizations that serves as their ecumenical advocacy voice for Israeli-Arab peacemaking.  In our meetings with Congressional offices, and in the guidance we provide church members for their advocacy, we urge bipartisan Congressional support for the Administration’s leadership. CMEP actively promotes your vision of a two-state solution to the conflict, with a viable, contiguous Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel, with both states enjoying security and the recognition of their neighboring states.  

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,  

Corinne Whitlatch

Executive Director

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