Quigley Urges Secretary Clinton to Oppose U.N. Action against Israeli Settlements

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) sent the following letter to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, encouraging leadership to postpone tomorrow's United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution condemning Israeli settlements, or veto the action if necessary. The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write today regarding the expected consideration by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution condemning Israel on the issue of settlements. While I acknowledge the diversity of views on the issue of settlements, I feel that this U.N. resolution serves only to internationalize the conflict and move us farther away from a peace deal. Settlements are a final status issue that must be resolved through direct, bilateral negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. The U.N. is not the appropriate forum in which to determine issues that need to be negotiated directly between the parties involved.

You recently expressed similar sentiments at your January 20 meeting with the Foreign Minister of Estonia, and I commend and appreciate you doing so. At the meeting, you stated:

We continue to believe strongly that the only way that there will be a resolution of the conflict and a two-state solution that will result in an independent, viable Palestinian state and security for Israel is through a negotiated settlement. Therefore, we don't see action in the United Nations or any other forum as being helpful in bringing about that desired outcome. Our position on settlements remains as it has been …. Ultimately, the Palestinian and Israeli people have to make a decision about whether they can engage in negotiations that will result in compromise on both sides to obtain what we believe will be not just two states living side by side in peace and security, but a much better future for the children of both Israelis and Palestinians.[1]

I urge you and the United States leadership to work to postpone the expected vote on the U.N. resolution condemning Israel for the settlements. Failing a postponement of the vote, I urge you to ensure the U.S. vetoes the resolution. The U.S. can and should play a leadership role in bringing the parties back to the table and helping to resolve this and other core issues. Encouraging the U.N. to allow the parties to negotiate directly rather than intervening is a key action the U.S. can take from its position of leadership.

The best forum for making progress toward peace is in direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in order to achieve a two-state solution and security for both parties. With this in mind, I encourage you to ensure the U.S. works to postpone, or if needed veto, this harmful U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel for its settlements.

Thank you for your swift consideration of my request. Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley
U.S. Member of Congress

Quigley has spoken on the House floor numerous times in support of the State of Israel. Last year, he visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and laid a wreath at the firing wall.

[1] Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Remarks With Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. Treaty Room;.Washington, DC. 20 January 2011.