The Palestinians Thursday slammed the US Congress for its support of Israel and its apportioning of blame for the current wave of violence to the Palestinian leadership.
In a statement sent to AFP, the Palestinian interior ministry condemned "the resolution of Congress supporting the massacres committed by Israel against the Palestinian people."
The resolution, the statement added, constitutes a "flagrant alignment (with the Israeli position), which is incompatible with the role of sponsor of the peace process which is being played by the United States."
"It is an certificate of absolution delivered (to Israel) by the legislature of the most powerful country in the world that holds the victim accountable for murder and torture and absolves the executioner," it added.
By a 365-30 vote Wednesday, the US Congress expressed "its solidarity with the state and people of Israel," and condemned the Palestinian leadership "for encouraging the violence and doing so little for so long to stop it, resulting in the senseless loss of life."
The resolution, which now goes to the Senate for consideration, calls on the Palestinian leadership "to refrain from any exhortations to public incitement ... (and) to vigorously use its security forces to act immediately to stop all violence ... and to settle all grievances through negotiations." -- RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP)
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