National Security Through Diplomacy

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Remarks Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs

Washington, DC

April 23, 2009
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/04/122098.htm

(9:25 a.m. EDT)

SECRETARY CLINTON: ...We also are focused on the Middle East, as Chairwoman
Lowey mentioned. Both she and Ranking Member Granger emphasized the
importance of this region to our country. If we are genuinely interested in
achieving a comprehensive and secure peace between Israel and its Arab
neighbors, we have to remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel's
security.

At the same time, we believe, we should continue to help the parties find a
path to a two-state solution and support efforts initiated by the
Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Prime Minister Fayyad, to end
corruption, promote security, and build infrastructure to demonstrate
tangible benefits of peace to the people of the West Bank. And we think as
part of that strategy, we have to address the humanitarian needs in Gaza by
working directly with carefully vetted partners.

We have made it clear that we will only work only with a Palestinian
Authority government that unambiguously and explicitly accepts the Quartet's
principles: a commitment to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and
acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap. In
the event of any Hamas participation of any sort in this coalition, this
would apply if the government, representing all of its agencies and
instrumentalities, accepts these principles.

At Sharm el-Sheikh last month, I announced a U.S. government pledge of $900
million that includes humanitarian, economic, and security assistance for
the Palestinian people, both Gaza and West Bank. And Madame Chairwoman, our
supplemental request of $840 million is included in that pledge; it is not
in addition to it. And it will be implemented under the most stringent
requirements we've ever put on aid going into that area.

...

PRN: 2009/368