Washington, D.C. – After a number of Arab countries rejected U.S. appeals to do more to
improve relations with Israel, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with
her Senate colleagues, asked President Obama what the next steps are to
advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and what he anticipates
from Arab states. Senators encouraged leaders to halt the Arab League
boycott of Israel and end the propaganda campaigns that degrade Jews.
In
a letter to President Obama, the lawmakers wrote, “We would like to
understand what steps you are urging Arab states to take and what your
expectations are from Arab states in the coming weeks and months.”
In
a separate letter to Secretary of State Clinton, lawmakers asked that
the Saudi government be held accountable in their pledge to revise
their hate-filled textbooks. Senator Gillibrand and Senators wrote, “As
Saudi academies around the world commence plans for the 2009-2010
school year, we should hold the Saudi government accountable for their
pledges. We urge you to embark on a public assessment of the steps the
Saudis have taken to curb the export of anti-religious incitement, as
well as review the textbooks they have used during the 2008-2009 year
inside Saudi Arabia.”
Senator
Gillibrand said, “I applaud President Obama and Secretary Clinton for
their commitment to helping achieve a secure, just and lasting peace in
the Middle East. While the U.S. must play a leading role in helping
Israel and the Palestinians achieve a final settlement, the neighboring
states are key to building an atmosphere of peace. Egypt and Jordan as
well as other countries in the region have built a peace with Israel.
Those improved relations benefit those countries, as well as the goal
of peace. Seven years ago, Saudi Arabia offered a plan for moving the
peace forward. While it was reaffirmed again in 2007 by Arab states, it
is time for tangible steps that will demonstrate to Israel and the rest
of the world that the Arab states will strongly support a settlement.”