1 February 2012
Dear Senator Jim Webb,
Thank you so much for your reply. To date I have 21 senators written to me. To read my responses, please see: http://dearmmlee.wordpress.com/category/petition-palestine/
You said, “A lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical to global peace and security. The United States and the international community must make stability in this region a top priority. The only viable method for resolving this decades-old conflict and bringing about a two-state solution is a sustained, high-level political process that addresses the needs and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. I have encouraged U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian authorities to work together to negotiate in good faith and come to a mutually beneficial solution for peace in the region.”
I applaud your efforts to encourage this good faith negotiation, and do thank you. I am sure you recognize that it is very difficult for them to negotiate in good faith when both sides share the same aspiration, and that is for Jerusalem to be their capital. Moreover, the Palestinians want the right of return, and the Israelis refuse to accept this. We must be creative in our thinking to achieve a win-win formula.
May I have your support to rally all the senators to come on board to make it happen? If this can happen, the world will thank all of you for striving for and achieving greater humanity.
Love, light, peace, harmony and unity,
Sunflower Chong
From: “correspondence_reply@webb.senate.gov”
To: sunflower_chong@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 2:03 AM
Subject: Senator Jim Webb’s Response to Your Message
January 26, 2012
Dear Ms. Sun Wah:
Thank you for contacting me regarding U.S. relations with Israel and the Palestinian people. I appreciate hearing your views on this issue.
As you know, on May 19, 2011, President Obama endorsed a two-state solution with borders “based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps.” This proposal would create a Palestinian state based on the land claimed by Palestinians prior to the Six Day War of 1967, when Israel obtained control over the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
The U.S. and Israel face many shared threats, and I support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. At the same time, I am concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. In order to bring peace to the region, the United States must focus on creating the conditions for meaningful negotiations toward a two-state solution.
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton addressed the need for direct negotiations, including concessional border talks, during a November 11, 2010, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a joint statement, they agreed that a viable solution required direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian leadership, and a resolution “which ends the conflict and reconciles the Palestinian goal of an independent and viable state, based on the 1967 lines, with agreed swaps.”
On May 4, 2011, rival Palestinian political factions Fatah and Hamas signed a formal reconciliation agreement, pledging to support an independent, transitional government. The transitional government and future elections will be led by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a party which has long recognized the state of Israel and renounced violence. Hamas has agreed not to participate in this government. It is my hope that this agreement will lead to a transitional government that will address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and provide greater representation for the Palestinian people.
A lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical to global peace and security. The United States and the international community must make stability in this region a top priority. The only viable method for resolving this decades-old conflict and bringing about a two-state solution is a sustained, high-level political process that addresses the needs and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. I have encouraged U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian authorities to work together to negotiate in good faith and come to a mutually beneficial solution for peace in the region.
As a member of both the Senate Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Relations, I appreciate your taking the time to share your concerns on this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if we can be of further assistance.
I would also invite you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on issues that are important to Virginia and our nation.
Thank you once again for contacting my office.
Sincerely,
Jim Webb
United States Senator
3 December 2011
Dear Senator Jim Webb,
I hope to get your support for this Petition for a Palestinian State.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/call-for-support-for-a-palestinian-state.html#sign
The success of the “Arab Spring” tells us that a “Global Spring” is possible to achieve, too. And it can begin with nothing more than a click of your mouse supporting our petition. The Palestinian people need our support now more than ever, for a “Global Spring” to finally achieve a homeland for their people. To build a better world, everyone must care. We must have the strong faith that we can build a better world for all.
On behalf of the Palestinian people, I thank you all very much for your support. Please spread the word.
Love, light, peace, harmony and unity,
Sunflower Chong
Founder of http://www.worldharmonyday.com
