FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 26, 2007
Contact: Judith Kargbo 202-225-3816
CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE HAILS ANNAPOLIS TALKS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR PROGRESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Congresswoman Jackson Lee commends leadership from Israel and numerous Arab nations, and calls for continued congressional engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jackson Lee released the following statement following the Middle East peace conference in Annapolis, MD: “The Annapolis conference has opened the door for a revived and revitalized peace process between Israeli and Arab leaders. I was extremely pleased to see large participation from Arab states, and I was particularly encouraged by the presence of representatives from the Saudi Arabian and Syrian governments. At Annapolis, Israeli and Palestinian leaders reached an agreement to initiate negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace settlement by the end of 2008. Both the Israelis and the numerous Arab nations present at Annapolis demonstrated the great leadership that will be necessary to ultimately resolve this conflict. “Because foreign policy mandates a multi-faceted and fully integrated response, I have long advocated for increased engagement by Members of Congress with a history of involvement in the region. I was extremely pleased that the Department of State honored my request to increase congressional participation in the Annapolis Conference, and I was proud to be one of ten prominent Members of Congress, and the only woman, who attended a private dinner and briefing on Monday, November 26, 2007, with Secretary Rice, President Bush, and other participants in the Annapolis conference. “I believe that the participation and active engagement of Members of Congress in the Annapolis conference, and in subsequent negotiations, will help to express the depth of
support for peace in the United States. As the direct representatives of the American people, Congress has an important role to play in the development and the implementation of any peace accord. “It is now incumbent upon all involved parties to make the most of this historic opportunity. All participants must actively demonstrate that they are truly committed to reaching and implementing a lasting peace agreement.” ###