Rep. Johnson Urges Direct Israeli-Palestinian Talks, Supports President's Peace Initiative

Statement

Congressman signs resolution affirming commitment to two-state settlement, calls for direct talks

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a member of the House Committees on Armed Services and the Judiciary, today issued the following statement and announced his co-sponsorship of H.Res.268, reaffirming U.S. commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct bilateral negotiations:

"I strongly support President Obama's efforts to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It has long been understood that the framework for an agreement on territory will be the 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps to accommodate subsequent demographic, political, and security developments.

"I call upon Hamas in the strongest terms to publically accept Israel's right to exist; Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with a party that denies its right to statehood.

"I echo President Obama and Secretary Clinton in urging Palestinian officials to negotiate a settlement with Israel instead of pursuing a unilateral effort to secure recognition of statehood at the United Nations. I look forward to supporting President Obama's efforts and encourage the parties to return to the table and strike a compromise that will yield a two-state solution."

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