Press Releases

Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the  following statement regarding the expected vote within the United Nations on Palestinian statehood.

“Finding a peaceful resolution to matters in the Middle East continues to be a complex process.  The difficulty of finding common ground lies not solely with the establishment of geographic borders, but is steeped in religion, history and cultural differences.  Nonetheless, it is clear that peace must be found and that there should be a two-state solution for Israelis and for Palestinians.

In order to find that path to peace, all parties must be willing to come to the negotiating table and talk until a resolution is found.  This cannot be done by one side forcing its will upon the other, it cannot be done through violence or intimidation – and it cannot be done unilaterally.              

Unfortunately, the insistence by the Palestinians to bring a vote to the UN in September on the issue of statehood is absolutely the wrong way of approaching this matter.  It will make things harder, it will not lead to the outcome they desire, and it potentially risks measures being brought forth from the U.S. and others that will financially and politically hurt the cause of the Palestinians.              

The U.S. has consistently stated – and continues to state – that a vote in the UN, even one favorable toward recognized statehood of Palestine – will not create a Palestinian state.  Only direct talks between the parties will bring this reality.  A vote will instead bring divisions and disagreements to the forefront with no strategy on how to overcome them.  Bringing this vote to the UN is absolutely the wrong thing to do.       

Rather, the Palestinians should take this moment to sit down at the negotiating table and discuss the potential solutions that will lead to a peaceful and prosperous future in the region, one with a recognized state for Israelis and with a recognized state for Palestinians.  It will not be easy and it will necessitate concessions from both sides, but it is the only way.            

The President and the State Department continue to strongly express the United States’ position, and our voice will be heard at the UN next month.  Pushing this vote is a step backward, and I hope the Palestinians, Israel and other UN members will instead encourage that negotiations be restarted.  By doing so, we will be able to move one day closer to peace.”