US House opposes unilateral declaration of 'Palestine'

Consensus adopts resolution raised by Rep. Howard Berman supporting negotiated solution to conflict, condemns unilateral moves by PA.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
US Congress 248.88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
US Congress 248.88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The US Congress voted late Wednesday not to support an unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing opposition to the Palestinian Authority's efforts to obtain recognition for a state with 1967 borders, without an agreement with Israel.
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The resolution was introduced by Rep. Howard Berman, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
According to a summary of the floor proceedings in the House on Wednesday, Berman moved to pass the resolution "supporting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state."
During a visit to Cairo on Wednesday, US Mideast envoy George Mitchell said he intends to pursue "substantive" negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, AFP reported.
"In the days ahead our discussions with both sides will be substantive, two way conversations with an eye towards making real progress in the next few months on the key questions of an eventual framework agreement," Mitchell was quoted as saying.
Earlier this month, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay announced they recognized a “free and independent” Palestinian state.
Argentina’s President Cristina Kirchner told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter that her country recognized a Palestine defined by 1967 borders, Argentine officials said. The Argentine Foreign Ministry said in an e-mailed statement that the move was designed to help “definitively advance the negotiation process that will lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Israel expressed “regret and disappointment” at the South American countries' recognition of an independent Palestinian state.