[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 10966-10967] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINE INVESTMENT CONFERENCE IN BETHLEHEM ______ HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 22, 2008 Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, on May 21, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad convened a large gathering of international business leaders in Bethlehem to promote investment in the Palestinian economy. This three-day conference, organized by the Palestinian Authority, is an important milestone on the road to a lasting and secure peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Earlier this week, Congressman Rahm Emmanuel, the chairman of the Democratic Caucus, and I participated with Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a Congressional leadership visit to Israel to mark the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Jewish State. During our time there, we had the opportunity to meet with U.S. diplomatic officials, and my colleague spoke by phone with Palestinian Authority officials to assess the progress of efforts to bring peace to that region. Following our discussions with Palestinian and American officials, we both express our strong support for the efforts of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad to chart a course of moderation and tolerance and develop an economy and society that provides hope and opportunity for the Palestinian people. The international community must support efforts, like this investment conference, which are designed to improve the lives of peoples in the region. Madam Speaker, in this regard, we note our strong appreciation for the participation of business leaders from throughout the region, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and the Arab Gulf states. We express our thanks to the Government of Israel for its efforts to make the conference a success, including by making the travel of so many participants possible. This conference is a demonstration of what is possible in this troubled region when people work together for a common good and reject the forces of extremism. We express our thanks to major U.S. corporations that have joined the Palestinian Authority in this effort, including Cisco, Intel, Marriott and Coca-Cola. When they create jobs, spur investment, and strengthen communities, these corporations are truly furthering the cause of peace. Madam Speaker, a recent World Bank report put unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza at more than 23 percent. This young and rapidly expanding labor force presents both an opportunity and a challenge for those of us who seek to promote the cause of peace. If these young people can find jobs, support a family and become part of the global economy, they will be a force for peace. The durability of the bonds between the Israeli and Palestinian business communities is testimony [[Page 10967]] to the power and potential of these relationships. If however, these young people are forced to rely on Government handouts and the charity of others, they are ripe for exploitation by those with extremist agendas. Madam Speaker, the Palestinian Authority has begun making some of the difficult choices necessary to create a prosperous future for its people. The contrast in the Middle East between those that seek a peaceful, negotiated solution to a conflict that has gone on far too long, and those that oppose this path, has never been clearer. We must use every tool at our disposal to support those who seek to build the institutions of free societies in the Middle East. The promotion of a strong, prosperous Palestinian economy is a critical component in this struggle, and we commend President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad for their efforts and assure them of our continued support. ____________________