The U.S. embassy move

Discussion within the U.S. Congress on the decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to occupied Jerusalem is really strange, for it shows how the ruling party is placing Israel's interests above those of the United States, how a great number of U.S. congressmen are behind such an unjust decision and how it coincides with the United Nations' 50th anniversary.

The bill will inflict great damage to America's role in the Mideast peace process and could even torpedo the whole peace march because if it is approved, it is inconceivable that the United States would continue to sponsor the peace talks, which were initially launched on the basis of land-for-peace and honest and neutral partnership.

The decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem practically means the recognition of the Israeli occupation of this city, which totally contradicts UN resolutions on Jerusalem. This shows that the United States is bluntly siding with Israel against the Arabs and their interests.

President Clinton did well when he announced his rejection of the bill and readiness to veto it if passed by Congress.

In any case, the project constitutes clear aggression towards sacred Arab Muslim and Christian shrines, as well as violating Arab rights and dignity.

The strangest part is that some justified the bill on the basis that they wanted to reward Israel for its peace achievements.

And we ask: where are these achievements? Are they the Oslo accords that deprive the Palestinian people of their basic rights and increase tension in the occupied territories? Is it the treaty imposed by Israel on Jordan, which maintained Israeli occupation of some Jordanian land? Haven't the leaders of the Republican Party heard about the savage aggressions committed by Israeli forces against Lebanon and of obstacles placed by Rabin's government to freeze the Syrian track?

Israel has done nothing to achieve a genuine and just peace in the region, but rather is damaging chances for a comprehensive settlement.

If they think that moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem would consolidate Israel's commitment to peace, they are really mistaken.

-- Tishrin, Damascus