Posted on 06/21/2005 2:57:56 PM PDT by Nachum
At today's White House news briefing, WND asked presidential press secretary Scott McClellan about President Bush's policy of starting with the 1949 armistice line as the beginning of future negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians in light of recent violence by Arab terrorists in the region.
WND: Scott, recent terror attacks in Israel, especially in the last 48 hours, have proven the so-called cease-fire agreed to in February has failed. And my question is, hasn't the president cut the feet out from under the Israelis with his insistence on the 1949 armistice line as the starting point for negotiations with the Palestinians, who have proven that they cannot control terrorism?
McCLELLAN: Les, we have to focus on what is before us right now. What is before us right now is the historic Gaza disengagement plan that Prime Minister Sharon outlined. The parties are meeting today, or they have been meeting today. I haven't heard an update on the discussions that they had. But there are some important agreements in principle for moving forward to make sure that the disengagement plan is successful. This is a process that will be done in steps, and the important step to focus on right now is the disengagement plan. This is an historic opportunity to get moving again on the Road Map. But we need to focus on making sure we get it right with the disengagement plan. And that's why Secretary Rice has been in the region visiting with the parties. That's why we're pleased that the parties have been meeting today.
In terms of security issues, we have continued to say that the Palestinian Authority needs to do more to address these security concerns, and to go after people who seek to undermine the goal of a two-state vision that the president outlined.
WND: Did the president believe it was wrong for House International Relations Chairman Henry Hyde to tell the House: "When it comes to sanctions against the United Nations for failing to reform, if you leave it to the State Department, you're plowing in the sea."
McCLELLAN: We all share the goal of reforming the United Nations. That is something we share with –
WND: Was Hyde wrong?
McCLELLAN: – Chairman Hyde.
WND: You share with him. Oh, good.
McCLELLAN: Reform at the United Nations, Les. You know exactly what I'm referring to, so let's not try to put words in my mouth. But we all –
WND: No, no. I would never try to do that.
McCLELLAN: We all want to see comprehensive reform at the United Nations to make it more transparent, more accountable. The American people want to see reform at the United Nations to make sure that it is an effective organization that is getting things done, that is advancing freedom and peace and democracy around the world.
WND: Hyde said, depending on the State Department is like "plowing the sea." What do you think of that?
McCLELLAN: Les, you need to let me finish. I'm talking about the importance of reform, and Secretary Rice and the people at the State Department are committed to moving forward on comprehensive reform. They held a briefing just last week and they outlined our proposals for reform. And they talked about the importance of management and budget reform; they talked about the importance of establishing a democracy fund. And there are a number of other reforms that they outlined, as well.
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Les Kinsolving is WorldNetDaily's White House correspondent and a talk-show host for WCBM in Baltimore. His show can be heard on the Internet at www.wcbm.com 8-10 p.m. Eastern each weekday.
THE DUCK OF THE DAY!
In terms of security issues, we have continued to say that the Palestinian Authority needs to do more to address these security concerns, and to go after people who seek to undermine the goal of a two-state vision that the president outlined.
Gosh. Who could ask for more than that.
The only peace the Palestinians are willing to let the Israelis have is the peace of the grave--and then they'll desecrate the tombstones.
You think there will be peace if Israel retreats to the 1949 armistice lines? Why do you believe that?
"Israel is going to have to give up its military conquests in order to achieve a peace settlement."
'Scuse me? Military conquests? Sakes, have the Jews become crusaders? As I recall those lands were gained DEFENDING the 1949 armistice which was BROKEN by the Arabs.
Once again individuals are assuming the Arabs want peace. They don't even want to recognize Israel's right to exist. Look at their text books - There's Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and west of that there's....Palestine...and west of that...the Red Sea.
Sometimes it's not what people say, it's what they don't. Even the mention of Israel sticks in their throat.
Need to send out Fudd after Daffy McQuacken.
If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and explodes like a duck, it's a Palestinian
"historic Gaza disengagement plan" -- that may have revealed a card...
"historic Gaza disengagement plan"
The buck stops here.
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