THE STATE DEPARTMENT DROPS THE BALL (PLO Mission)

[corbe]

THE STATE DEPARTMENT DROPS THE BALL

Reversing course on closing the PLO mission sends a dangerous message.

November 30, 2017 Caroline Glick
 
Originally published by the Jerusalem Post.

Over the weekend, The New York Times published its latest broadside against US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for what the newspaper referred to as his “culling” of senior State Department officials and his failure to date to either nominate or appoint senior personnel to open positions.

 But if the State Department’s extraordinary about face on the PLO’s mission in Washington is an indication of what passes for US diplomacy these days, then perhaps Tillerson should just shut down operations at Foggy Bottom. The US would be better off without representation by its diplomats.

Last week, in accordance with US law, Tillerson notified the PLO’s Washington envoy Husam Zomlot that the PLO’s mission in Washington has to close within 90 days because it has breached the legal terms governing its operations.

Specifically, Tillerson explained, PLO chief and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas breached US law when he called for the International Criminal Court to indict and prosecute Israeli nationals during his speech before the UN General Assembly in September.

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http://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/268567/state-department-drops-ball-caroline-glick

[thackney]

U.S. Reverses Its Decision To Close Palestinian Office In D.C.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/11/25/566464176/u-s-reverses-decision-to-close-palestinian-office-in-d-c

The Trump administration has reversed its decision to close the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., saying instead it would impose limitations that may be lifted after 90 days.

Last week, U.S. officials said the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office would shut down because Palestinian leadership violated a little-known provision in U.S. law requiring the office to close if Palestinians attempt to prosecute Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Prior to changing their tune Friday night, the U.S. did not immediately shut down the office, saying they were working out details with Palestinians. PLO is the international representative body of the Palestinian people.

According to The Associated Press, State Department spokesman Edgar Vasquez said the U.S. had "advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians."

The AP also reports the limitations on the office may be lifted after 90 days, if the U.S. determines Israelis and Palestinians are engaged in serious peace talks. The Trump administration will be presenting a "comprehensive peace plan" to both Palestinians and Israelis in the coming months, an effort driven by Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner....