Palestinian protesters accost U.S. diplomats during West Bank visit

[Jefferson23]

Following Congress cut of PA aid funds, Palestinian protesters urge boycott of U.S. products, saying Washington 'cannot blackmail us with your money.'

By The Associated Press

A small crowd of Palestinian protesters accosted an American diplomatic delegation visiting the West Bank Tuesday, blocking a convoy of vehicles, chanting "shame on you" and hurling a shoe … a deeply insulting gesture in Arab culture.

The Americans, including employees of the consulate in Jerusalem, were on their way to a U.S.¬ reception in town of Ramallah meant to reaffirm cultural and educational ties with the Palestinians.

But relations have grown strained recently, with Palestinians disappointed over President Barack Obama's handling of Mideast peace efforts. They say he is not tough enough on Israel and are also upset over U.S.¬ vows to block their attempt to receive full membership at the United Nations.

Members of Congress have already put a hold on $200 million in economic assistance to the Palestinians to dissuade them from pushing forward with the UN request. Officials have also hinted that aid could be cut altogether if the Palestinians proceed with their plans. The U.S. -provides some $500 million a year to the Palestinians.

in full: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinian-protesters-accost-u-s-diplomats-during-west-bank-visit-1.388173

[Jefferson23]

1. U.S. Congress officially confirms blocking Palestinian aid, explains reasoning

In a 'tool of Congressional oversight', U.S. puts some $200 million in 2011 aid on hold whilst seeking further details about Palestinian Authority's usage of funds; Obama administration lobbies to unblock aid.

By Natasha Mozgovaya and Reuters

The Congress made its first official statement about the blocking of almost $200 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority on Monday, calling it a "tool of Congressional oversight."

Bradley Goehner, Communications Director of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, explained the funding has been put on hold whilst the Congress seeks further details about the Palestinian Authority's usage of the funds.

"There is an informational hold on the funding. The Chairman (Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen) and other Committee Members are seeking further details about how funds have been used in the past, how they will be used, safeguards, and the system in place to phase the Palestinians away from dependency on the U.S. This is a tool of Congressional oversight," said Goehner.

"Members believe that the funding cannot be considered in a vacuum, and that the PA’s activities at the UN, its arrangement with Hamas, and its failure to recognize Israel's right to exist as Jewish State must all be taken into consideration," he added.

The Palestinians had previously said they did not receive any formal notification of what happened to the money, and that the reason and the timeline for withholding the funds was not clear.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration is lobbying Congress to unblock the Palestinian Authority aid, said to be frozen due to its bid for UN recognition of statehood over U.S. and Israeli objections.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Monday the administration was in "intensive" discussions with key lawmakers who had put holds on the money, a financial lifeline for the fledgling Palestinian government-in-waiting.

remainder: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-congress-officially-confirms-blocking-palestinian-aid-explains-reasoning-1.387989

[monmouth]

2. Self Delete.