AAF urges US to recognize new Palestinian government: 2007 Press Release

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AAF urges US to recognize new Palestinian government
For Immediate Release

Contact Aref Assaf (973-960-2673)

Paterson, NJ - March 17, 2007: A prominent advocacy group, the America Arab Forum (AAF), strongly urges the United States government to extend full diplomatic recognition to the newly created Palestinian unity government. This 25 member cabinet is comprised of representatives of a cross-section of the Palestinian people and political affiliations. The US has opted for a wait-and-see position pending future decisions by the new cabinet regarding the four demands by the Quartet.

Aref Assaf, president of AAF, stated, "We believe the US should not withhold diplomatic recognition as this action will also imply continued financial blockade of the Palestinian people who have suffered greatly since the last Hamas government was elected over a year ago. We believe the US should recognize the newly formed government under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas. Additionally, the US should immediately pursue a sustained diplomatic offensive to bridge the differences between Israel and the Palestinians." Assaf added that "Israel has persisted in violating critical agreements in which the US was a cosigner, such as the freezing of settlements expansion and easing the humanitarian conditions imposed on the Palestinians as a result of Israel's continued military occupation."

As the Arab countries will soon revitalize the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, the US ought to send an important positive signal that it seeks to facilitate- not impede future moves towards a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israel conflict. By engaging the new government, the US-sponsored Road Map will be a step closer to realization. End