Neugebauer Condemns Former President Carter's Meetings With Hamas

Statement

NEUGEBAUER CONDEMNS FORMER PRESIDENT CARTER'S MEETINGS WITH HAMAS

In response to former President Jimmy Carter's visit to the Middle East and meetings with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Department of State under the last two Presidents, Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19) issued the following statement:

"I am truly disappointed by the actions of our former President. While many individuals spoke out against this so called ‘diplomatic trip,' it fell on deaf ears. Former President Carter defied the advice and wishes of many Members of Congress, including members of his own party, diplomats, the U.S. Department of State and the current President of the United States.

"I am deeply disturbed that the former President has chosen to ignore commonsense advice and sit down to discuss peace with a known and designated terrorist group. Hamas is a known ally of Iran and a direct beneficiary of upwards of $30 million in annual Iranian financial assistance. The thought that former President Carter would sit down with Hamas whose closest allies have American blood on their hands is unconscionable.

"Hamas has made clear their goal is the destruction of Israel. To attempt to negotiate with terrorists is neither useful nor appropriate. Hamas' continued and unprovoked terrorist attacks on Israel show it is not peace they seek; but destruction of the Jewish state.

"Former President Carter's inappropriate actions are an affront to the American people, Israelis and all those who seek a reasonable peace in the Middle East. He owes America and Israel an apology for his reckless actions. As we learned on September 11, 2001, terrorists do not negotiate, they murder innocent people, and to think otherwise is foolish."

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