Washington, D.C.– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ request for full membership in the United Nations. Diaz-Balart comments:

“The Palestinian’s unilateral efforts are out of line and irrefutably damaging to the peace process with Israel. Their latest actions prove their true intentions are to completely isolate Israel, with little to no interest in finding a mutual compromise for a two-state solution. The Obama administration’s lack of leadership and clarity has only encouraged the Palestinians to violate their diplomatic obligations, resulting in such fiasco. We cannot afford to stand idly by as Palestinian leaders decide to opt out of direct negotiations, impeding a lasting peace agreement with Israel.

“We must stand firm and support our great democratic ally, Israel, sending a clear message to the Palestinians and the rest of the world that the U.S. works with those who seek true peace. If the U.N. endorses a Palestinian state, their funding along with U.S. foreign aid to the Palestine Authority will suffer the consequences. It would be wise for the Palestinians to cease their counterproductive efforts and return to direct negotiations with Israel. ”