Venezuela and the Palestinian Authority have opened diplomatic relations, three months after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez broke off relations with Israel. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says that should make the U.S. rethink aid to the Palestinian Authority. Here’s her press release:
Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Reported Diplomatic Ties between
Palestinian Authority and Venezuela
Urges U.S. to Rethink Aid to Palestinian Authority
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on reports that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will today establish diplomatic relations with Venezuela. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“As Abu Mazen refuses yet again to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, his government is cozying up to Hugo Chavez’s anti-American, anti-Israel regime in Venezuela.
“Once again, Abu Mazen is demonstrating his unwillingness to be a partner for peace. He cannot simultaneously claim to seek peace with Israel while embracing a despot that calls the Israeli Government ‘genocidal’ and ‘murderous’.
“The U.S. should condition our aid to the Palestinian Authority on accountability and results. We cannot provide hundreds of millions more in assistance to a PA government that undermines our interests and allies.
“Similarly, responsible nations must join forces to counter the dangerous policies of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez who, while breaking ties with democratic Israel, foments anti-Semitism, and expands his ties with Iran and Syria.”
