Garrett Urges UN to Reject Recognition of Palestinian Territories

Statement

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) issued the following statement today after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas asked the United Nations (UN) to formally recognize the Palestinian territories as a state:

"I object to the Palestinian Authority's blatant attempt to ignore its past agreements and treaties with Israel by seeking a unilateral declaration of statehood at the UN today. Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will not be settled through a UN resolution. Lasting peace will only be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

"An affirmative vote by the UN Security Council, even with a United States veto, will have dire consequences. Recognition in any way by the UN will only embolden the Palestinians to avoid the negotiating table and circumvent direct talks with Israel. I urge the UN to reject the resolution so that both nations can work productively toward peace."

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