Diaz-Balart: Today's U.N. Vote is Reckless and Irresponsible

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement condemning the vote in the U.N. General Assembly to recognize Palestine as a non-member observer state.

“Today’s vote by the United Nations, a body long antagonistic to Israel and dominated by non-democratic states, is both reckless and irresponsible. It is unfortunate that the Palestinian Authority has taken this unilateral action that will not bring the peace, security, and economic stability the region desperately needs and deserves, and will harm future negotiations.

“The U.N. needs to realize how detrimental this recognition will be, not only for our ally Israel, but for the Middle East peace process and regional stability. Peace will not come through resolutions or statements at a body with a longstanding history of hostility towards Israel. True and lasting peace can only be achieved through serious and direct negotiations between the parties and the acceptance of each other’s right to exist.

“The vote highlights the need to reconsider the use of American taxpayer dollars to fund both the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority. As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that allocates our country’s dollars to fund the U.N., I will be working to do just that.”