From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill., 14th District)…
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
“This week, the Palestinian Authority may attempt to have the United Nations vote on the question of Palestinian statehood; this is not only misguided, it is a stunning violation of the spirit of the Oslo Accords,” said Hultgren. “We find ourselves at this crossroads due to a failure of leadership on behalf of President Obama. Had the President been a more effective leader, he would have issued his veto threat at an earlier date, in time to influence and shape international opinion against any change in Palestine’s status at the UN.
“I had hoped that the President would use his speech before the General Assembly today to lay down a clear marker of his support for Israel. Instead, he once again chose the route of moral equivalence, falsely blaming Israel for the peace process’s lack of progress.
“I have always believed that our relationship with Israel is unique in world history, and critical to both countries. Those beliefs were reinforced when I had the opportunity to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in May. President Obama must stand up this week not only for Israel and the Israeli people, but also for a commitment to the peace process and the rule of law.”