Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council express its concern, frustration, and anguish over the United States' lone negative vote vetoing the Security Council resolution requesting that United Nations' observers be sent into the Occupied Territories and Gaza Strip to review human rights abuses; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council deplore the continuing acts of violence committed both by the State of Israel and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and view these acts as counterproductive to initiating meaningful peace dialogue; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the Presiding Bishop for his prompt letter of 24 May to President Bush and Secretary of State Baker and his compassionate letter to Bishop Kafity to be shared with other religious leaders; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council commend and urge President Bush and Secretary of State Baker to continue their efforts to bring about direct negotiations between the affected parties to a peaceful settlement; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urge President Bush and Secretary of State Baker to inform the Government of the State of Israel that it must comply more fully with international human rights standards, refrain from the expenditure of its resources for expansion and settlements into territories occupied by war, and that it must actively demonstrate a willingness to engage in peace negotiations or risk the reduction of American support; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution and letters expressing our concern be sent from our Presiding Bishop to the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, the leadership of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Episcopal Members of Congress, the United States Ambassador to Israel, the United States Delegate to the United Nations and the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.