Abbas, Like Arafat YM"S Before Him, Uses Unilateral Terrorism

Congressional Record Sep. 6, 2000:

Exhibit 1
US Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC, March 31, 1999
Chairman Yasser Arafat.
President of the National Authority.
Gaza City, GAZA. Palestinian National Authority.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much for coming to my Senate hideaway and for our very productive discussion on March 23.
Following up on that discussion, I urge that the Palestinian Authority not make a unilateral declaration of statehood on May 4 or on any subsequent date. The issue of the Palestinian state is a matter for negotiation under the terms of the Oslo Accords.
I understand your position that this issue will not be decided by you alone but will be submitted to the Palestinian Authority Council.
When I was asked at our meeting whether you and the Palestinian Authority would receive credit for refraining from the unilateral declaration of statehood, I replied that I would go to the Senate floor on May 5 or as soon thereafter as possible and compliment your action in not unilaterally declaring a Palestinian state.
I look forward to continuing discussions with you on the important issues in the Mid-East peace process.

Sincerely,

Arlen Specter.



Exhibit 2
US Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC, August 18, 2000
Chairman Yasser Arafat.
President of the National Authority.
Gaza City, GAZA. Palestinian National Authority.

Dear Chairman Arafat: On March 23, 1999, when you visited my Senate Office in Washington, I urged you not to make a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, which had been discussed as a possibility for May 4, 2000 [YY - should be 1999]. At that time, I told you that I would make a statement on the Senate floor on May 5, 1999, praising your decision not to declare statehood unilaterally if, in fact, you made that decision. You did not declare statehood on May 4, 1999; and, as promised, I made the statement on the Senate floor. For your re-review, I enclose a copy of that statement.
Now, again, there is talk that there may be a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood on September 13, 2000. Again, I urge you not to make such a declaration, but to continue negotiations to try to work out an overall agreement with Israel.
I know that there is a strong feeling, both in the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, as well as that expressed by President Clinton, that there be no such unilateral declaration of statehood.
There has been tremendous support in the Senate and House, as well as from the President, for an overall peace settlement and that Congressional support has included U.S. contributions to implement such an accord. That Congressional support would certainly be eroded by a unilateral declaration of statehood.
If you do not make such a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood on September 13, I will again speak on the Senate floor in praise of your restraint.
Again, I urge you to renew discussions with Israel for an overall settlement.
I look forward to our next meeting when you are in Washington or I am in the Mid-east.

Sincerely,

Arlen Specter.

Arafat, YM"S, used terrorism with guns and used terrorism with meetings. He threatened unilateral actions to get praised on the senate floor. Of course, we know what happened later that September - the start of the Oslo War, which we all know was supported by Arafat.

Abbas, Arafat's Talmid Muvhak, is no different. He seems to be pressing ahead with his unilateral campaign, but it may be a way of getting as many last-minute concessions as possible before Friday and then pulling out at the last minute. Either way, it's terrorism. Terrorism is terrorism is terrorism - it's all these bums knew their whole lives and it's all they'll ever know. Whether it's in a kefiyah and khakis or a suit and a tie, it's all the same. It's a way of life for them.

May Hashem help those who lead us make the right decisions.