Bilirakis Responds to UN General Assembly Vote on Palestinian Non-Member Observer Status

"Today's United Nations General Assembly vote elevating Palestinian Authority-run "Palestine" to the status of a non-member observer state is both regretful and disheartening.? Unilateral actions by the Palestinian leadership do not contribute to a durable and lasting peace between the Palestinians and their neighbors.? A lasting solution to the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and the establishment of a Palestinian state, can only come through negotiations between the two principle parties.

"This General Assembly vote undermines the peace process and demonstrates, once again, that the current Palestinian leadership neither respects, nor feels itself bound by, its previous agreements with Israel. Despite today's vote, the United States must stand strong with its ally Israel, while continuing to pursue a durable and lasting peace to ensure the future prosperity of both Israelis and Palestinians alike."

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