JERUSALEM, July 1, 2015 (WAFA) – Spokesperson
of the United States Department of State John Kirby said that, 'by conflating
Israel and “Israeli-controlled territories,” a provision of the Trade Promotion
Authority legislation runs counter to longstanding U.S. policy towards the
occupied territories, including with regard to settlement activity.
In a statement Tuesday, Kirby first
noted that the U.S. opposes Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns
against the state of Israel.” However, He said that, “Every U.S. administration
since 1967 – Democrat and Republican alike – has opposed Israeli settlement
activity beyond the 1967 lines.” Affirming that, “ This Administration is
no different.”
According to Israel National News, “The
announcement comes after President Barack Obama signed his 'fast
track' trade bill - which also contains legislation combating the BDS
movement in Europe - into law on Monday.
US spokesperson stressed that, “The US
government has never defended or supported Israeli settlements and activity
associated with them and, by extension, does not pursue policies or activities
that would legitimize them.”
He added, “Administrations of both
parties have long recognized that settlement activity and efforts to change
facts on the ground undermine the goal of a two-state solution to the conflict
and only make it harder to negotiate a sustainable and equitable peace deal in
good faith.”
“As we advance our trade agenda, we
will continue to strengthen our economic ties with partners globally, including
Israel. We will also continue to uphold policies integral to preserving
the prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Meanwhile, Portman, in a statement
Tuesday, defended the measure, saying:
“The language in our amendment, which was adopted unanimously by the Senate
Finance Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, does nothing to prejudge
the final borders of a negotiated agreement between Israel and the
Palestinians. Boycotts against Israel, in any form, are wrong and antithetical
to U.S. efforts toward peace.”
M.N./T.R.
