{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-following-secretary-kerrys-speech-on-israeli-palestinian-peace", "Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry\u2019s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry\u2019s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\"Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s personal commitment to Middle East peace is well-known and admirable.\u00a0 During his tenure at the State Department, his dedication to facilitating direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a two-state solution was evidenced in his investment of time, travel, resources, and creative proposals.\r\n\u201cI welcome Secretary Kerry\u2019s articulation of six principles that should guide direct negotiations between the parties for a secure, just, and realistic two-state solution.\u00a0 He rightly stated that there cannot be two states living side by side in peace and security without recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, and that Israel\u2019s security needs must be satisfied.\u00a0 Fundamental issues like borders and Jerusalem can only come from direct negotiations and cannot be dictated by any outside entity, and there must be recognition of the Jewish people\u2019s historic ties to Jerusalem and its holy sites. \u00a0I am open to considering U.S. contributions to an international effort that would provide options for permanent homes for Palestinian refugees without affecting the fundamental character of Israel.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThough I share Secretary Kerry\u2019s concerns with the lack of forward progress on a two-state solution, I remain disappointed by the Obama Administration\u2019s decision not to veto UN Security Resolution 2334 last week.\u00a0 The Resolution did not come close to the condemnation we heard from Secretary Kerry today regarding Palestinian leaders\u2019 responsibility for the past year\u2019s violence and terror.\u00a0 More can be done to enable the viability of a Palestinian state, but the Palestinians are not willing and ready partners at this time.\u00a0 Last week\u2019s Resolution makes direct negotiations more, not less, challenging.\r\n\u201cI agree with Secretary Kerry that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute could unlock broader peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.\u00a0 There are opportunities for collaborating in countering violent extremism, pushing back on Iran\u2019s destabilizing activities, and fostering greater economic cooperation.\u00a0 But these opportunities will remain aspirational until we see more pressure on Palestinian leadership:\u00a0 Hamas must accept Israel\u2019s right to exist and cease its military buildup, and Fatah must demonstrate commitment to transparency, anti-corruption, and good governance.\r\n\u201cGoing forward, I will explore Congressional action that can mitigate the negative implications of UN Security Resolution 2334.\u00a0 I will also continue to support and promote direct negotiations between the parties.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-following-secretary-kerrys-speech-on-israeli-palestinian-peace"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.883585937321186, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}