To return to the new Peace Now website click here.

APN Applauds Feinstein/Lugar Middle East Peace Resolution

The resolution reaffirms the Senate's commitment to a "true and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the establishment of 2 states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with recognized borders."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 7, 2007
CONTACT: Lara Friedman - (202) 728-1893

Washington, D.C - Americans for Peace Now today applauded a resolution that signals strong support for robust U.S. engagement to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace.

The resolution, cosponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Max Baucus (D-MT), Robert Byrd (D-WV), John Sununu (R-NH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), reaffirms the Senate's commitment to a "true and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the establishment of 2 states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with recognized borders." It also calls on President Bush to "pursue a robust diplomatic effort to engage the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, begin negotiations, and make a 2-state settlement a priority." It calls on the President to "consider appointing a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace who has held cabinet rank or is equally qualified, with extensive knowledge of foreign affairs in general and the Middle East region in particular." The resolution also welcomes the Arab League Peace Initiative and calls on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to "embrace efforts to achieve peace and refrain from taking any actions that would prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations."

Commenting on the resolution, APN President and CEO Debra DeLee noted, "This week, on the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 War, it is gratifying that some members of Congress are seeking to mark this anniversary with a constructive, forward-looking, thoughtful measure. Rather than recycling old language and outdated formulas, this resolution deals directly and seriously with the situation as it is today and the very real challenges facing Israel, the U.S., and moderate forces throughout the region."

DeLee also noted that the message of the resolution is consistent with the views of the majority of Jewish Americans and Arab Americans. Recent polling commissioned jointly by APN and the Arab American Institute found that a strong majority in both communities support a two-state solution and a resolution to the Arab Israeli conflict along the lines of the initiative proposed by the League of Arab States.


APN is a Jewish, Zionist organization whose mission is to enhance Israel's security through peace and to support the Israeli Peace Now movement