(AFP) In an overwhelming 406-6 vote [13 answered "present"], the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday warned the Palestinians that they risk cuts in U.S. aid if they pursue UN recognition of a future state not defined in direct talks with Israel. The symbolic resolution sent a stern message to the Palestinians one week after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a similar measure. "Any Palestinian unity government must publicly and formally forswear terrorism, accept Israel's right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel," says the resolution, crafted by Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Democratic House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer. It warned of "serious implications for the United States assistance programs for the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority" if they seek UN recognition of a future state.
2011-07-08 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive