You are hereObama Urged to Support U.N. Resolution Condemning Illegal Settlements
Obama Urged to Support U.N. Resolution Condemning Illegal Settlements
A number of academics, former U.S. ambassadors, Rabbis, journalists and leaders within the nonprofit community have signed a letter urging President Obama to support a U.N. resolution condemning illegal settlement construction.
For the full statement, please visit the Washington Note blog at:
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/01/pickering_hills/
From the letter:
"In light of the impasse reached in efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) moves to consider a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territory, we are writing to urge you to instruct our Ambassador to the United Nations to vote yes on this initiative.
"The time has come for a clear signal from the United States to the parties and to the broader international community that the United States can and will approach the conflict with the objectivity, consistency and respect for international law required if it is to play a constructive role in the conflict's resolution.
"While a UNSC resolution will not resolve the issue of settlements or prevent further Israeli construction activity in the Occupied Territory, it is an appropriate venue for addressing these issues and for putting all sides on notice that the continued flouting of international legality will not be treated with impunity. Nor would such a resolution be incompatible with or challenge the need for future negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues, and it would in no way deviate from our strong commitment to Israel's security.
"If the proposed resolution is consistent with existing and established US policies, then deploying a veto would severely undermine US credibility and interests, placing us firmly outside of the international consensus, and further diminishing our ability to mediate this conflict."
