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APN Welcomes Obama Victory; Urges Engagement with Syria, Iran

APN warmly welcomed Senator Barack Obama's historic victory and called on him to open a new chapter in America's policy toward the Middle East

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 5, 2008
CONTACT: Ori Nir - (202) 728-1893 

Washington, D.C. - Americans for Peace Now (APN) today warmly welcomed Senator Barack Obama's historic victory in the race for the White House and called on him to open a new chapter in America's policy toward the Middle East by immediately beginning efforts to advance Israeli-Arab peace and regional stability.
 
"President-elect Obama's victory represents an opportunity to immediately start restoring our nation's standing worldwide and to leverage America's recovered credibility toward a robust peace effort in the Middle East," said Debra DeLee, President and CEO of Americans for Peace Now, America's leading pro-Israel, pro-peace organization.

"We congratulate President-elect Obama on his victory. We warmly welcome his promise to support those who seek peace and security worldwide. As he prepares to take office, we recognize that there are many pressing issues on Obama's agenda, including ones related to the Middle East. Throughout his campaign, Senator Obama made clear that he understands the importance of the Middle East as the center of many key U.S. national security interests. He has committed to being personally involved in the Arab-Israeli peace process and to doing so from the get-go. His victory is thus a moment of powerful promise and hope for all who care about Israel, peace, and stability in the Middle East, representing an end to the neglect and foot-dragging that has characterized the Bush administration's approach," DeLee said.
 
"President-elect Obama yesterday received a mandate from America's voters to change course and re-establish U.S. engagement and leadership in the Middle East policy arena. In particular, his election represents an endorsement of his commitment to engage immediately in an effort to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace.  It is also an endorsement of his promise to support Israeli-Syrian peace negotiations. In addition, it is a clear approval of his promise to adopt a more pragmatic approach toward Iran, including the support - where possible - of direct engagement with Teheran."  

"We are confident that President-elect Obama is equal to the tasks before him and will act on this mandate. We stand ready to support him in his efforts," DeLee said.  

APN is a Jewish, Zionist organization dedicated to enhancing Israel's security through peace and to supporting the Israeli Peace Now movement.