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HIE. 

FEB 23 2015

 

Dear Senator Rubio:

Thank you for your letter of January 29 concerning recent Palestinian moves
at the United Nations Security Council, and with regard to the International
Criminal Court (ICC).

On December 30, the United States rallied seven Security Council members
to defeat a draft resolution on the Israel?Palestinian con?ict. We made clear that
the resolution was deeply imbalanced and would undermine efforts to achieve a
negotiated two-state solution. We will continue to work with relevant parties,
including ?ve new Security Council members, to advance the prospect of future
negotiations and provide a horizon of hope for Israelis and Palestinians.

We have also made clear our opposition to Palestinian actions with regard to
the ICC. We do not believe that the Palestinians are eligible to become a party to
the Rome Statute, and we strongly disagree with the ICC Prosecutor?s decision to
open a preliminary examination. We of course support Israel?s right to defend
itself, and we will continue to oppose actions at the ICC that are counterproductive
to the cause of peace. We have made that clear to the Palestinian leadership.

We continue to evaluate U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority to
ensure that it supports our policy in light of recent developments, and to ensure full
compliance with relevant legislation. We note that US. assistance to the
Palestinian people has helped promote security and prOSperity for both Palestinians
and Israelis.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact
us if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,



Assistant Secretary
Legislative Affairs

The Honorable
Marco Rubio,
United States Senate.