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88 Senators Question Continued U.S. Aid after Hamas-PLO Pact

(PJ Media) Bridget Johnson - Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) led a letter to President Obama signed by 88 senators expressing "strong reservations" about U.S. policy toward the new Palestinian unity government. "We are gravely concerned that the formation of this government and President Abbas' renewed effort to upgrade the status of the Palestinians within international organizations will jeopardize direct negotiations with Israel to achieve a two-state solution," the letter states. "Hamas has demonstrated it is not a partner for peace." "Recent events have consequences as to U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority as provided for in the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 and restrictions contained in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2014, including prohibiting foreign assistance to Hamas or any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member or over which Hamas has undue influence. These troubling developments, including the role played by Hamas in the formation of the government, have undermined Congressional support for U.S. assistance to the Palestinians. Any assistance should only be provided when we have confidence that this new government is in full compliance with the restrictions contained in current law."
2014-06-13 00:00:00
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