To return to the new Peace Now website click here.

APN Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution Supporting Ending Hostilities in the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

APN today applauded the Senate's passage, by unanimous consent, of S. Res. 548.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 3, 2006
CONTACT: Lara Friedman - Office:(202) 728-1893

Washington, D.C.- Americans for Peace Now (APN) today applauded the Senate's passage, by unanimous consent, of S. Res. 548. APN is a Jewish, Zionist organization whose mission is to enhance Israel's security through peace and to support the Israeli Peace Now movement.

"Members of the U.S. Senate, and especially Senators Dodd, Levin, and Sununu, deserve credit for passing this measure," said Debra DeLee, President and CEO of Americans for Peace Now. "S. Res. 548 represents a constructive message, reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense while recognizing the terrible damage that is occurring - in terms of loss of life, terrorizing and displacement of civilians, and destruction of infrastructure."

"We are pleased," DeLee added, "that S. Res. 548 includes a clear call for the Bush Administration and the international community to work urgently with the Governments of Israel and Lebanon to end the hostilities, ensure the safe return of captured Israeli soldiers, and achieve a change in the security situation, including the replacement of Hezbollah with Lebanese Government forces, and the deployment of an international stabilization force in the area. APN also supports the call for an international donors conference to help rebuild infrastructure destroyed during the hostilities."

"Finally, we applaud the Senate for including a call for the Bush Administration to remain engaged to promote sustainable peace and security for Israel, Lebanon, and the greater Middle East. For too long this Administration has failed to invest sufficient diplomatic energy to address conflicts in this volatile and strategically important region, with very negative consequences for the people of the region and for U.S. vital interests."

Earlier today APN called on the President to work urgently to achieve a ceasefire and, once a ceasefire is in place, to convene an international conference to launch Israeli-Arab peace negotiations, to include Lebanon, the Palestinians, Syria, and any other regional parties that can be brought to the table.