Source: http://www.un.int/usa/06_079.htm http://www.un.int/usa/06_079.htm
Date: April 17, 2006

United States Mission to the United Nations
SUN PRESS RELEASE # 79 (06)   
April 17, 2006

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Statement by Ambassador Bolton on the Terrorist Attack in Tel Aviv, April 17, 2006 

We meet in the aftermath of a vicious and despicable act of terrorism in Tel Aviv. We should first express our condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Israel, and also express our outrage. 
 
The burden of responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks such as this one rests with the Palestinian Authority. The United States has noted reactions by several terrorist groups including Hamas that defend -- and even applaud -- the act of terror in Tel Aviv today, as we have noted President Abbas’s quick denunciation of it. 
 
Defense or sponsorship of terrorist acts by officials of the Palestinian cabinet will have the gravest effect on relations between the Palestinian Authority and all states seeking peace in the Middle East. 
 
The Quartet noted in its March 30 statement its grave concern that the new Palestinian government has not committed to the principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and respect for previous agreements and obligations between the parties, including the roadmap. 
 
The Palestinian Authority must be held responsible for enforcing law and order and taking immediate action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism. We meet in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv that the Palestinian Government has, despicably enough, actually supported. Not only is there no action to prevent the launching of Qassam rockets into Israel, or to prevent terrorist attacks such as that launched today, but such murderous and barbarous attacks are actually defended. 
 
We regret the loss of innocent life, including in Gaza. 
 
The United Nations must play an even-handed role in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, encouraging both parties to take the necessary steps to make progress along the Roadmap. The UN cannot be seen to favor one side over the other. But the UN has repeatedly denounced terrorism and should do so again now. 
 
Unbalanced resolutions or statements that criticize one side or the other in the dispute but that fail to address the actions or inactions of the other side undermine the credibility of the UN and its ability to be an honest broker. 
 
In last week’s consultations aimed at adopting a Presidential Statement, the United States was willing to support a balanced statement calling on both sides to refrain from taking any steps that could escalate the situation. Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve a balanced statement that acknowledged the critical roles that both sides must play in fostering the environment needed for progress along the road map. 
 
Israel has a right to defend itself.  To condemn Israel for defending itself while failing to acknowledge either the provocation of persistent Qassam rocket attacks or the Palestinian Authority’s responsibility for taking action to stop the Qassam attacks is unworthy of the Security Council. 
 
In light of today’s terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, it is especially important to stress the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority to take action to stop terrorism. The Security Council cannot remain silent when Hamas, the ruling party in the Palestinian Authority, is supporting such attacks. 
 
We also remain concerned about the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. The United States has long been a supporter of the Palestinian people through substantial contributions of our foreign assistance funds. 
 
On April 7, the U.S. announced that it would increase humanitarian aid to help Palestinians in need. Basic human assistance including health, food, and education— will increase by 57 percent, to a total of $245 million. The United States will also provide $42 million to strengthen civil society and independent institutions. Assistance will be administered through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) and other non-Palestinian Authority actors, including local and international NGOs. 
 
The United States remains firmly committed to the Roadmap and the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side, in peace and security. But to see progress along the Roadmap, there must be two partners. A Palestinian Authority government which refuses to accept its responsibility to prevent acts of tenor and punish the perpetrators of such violence, and which by its unwillingness to condemn such attacks gives at least tacit approval and encouragement to terrorism, cannot be considered a partner in peace. 
 
In closing, I would note that UN Security Council sessions such as this one today contribute very little to improving the situation on the ground. These sessions consume considerable time and resources, but ultimately produce nothing concrete. In fact, by diverting our attention from the real issues, we are not advancing the cause of peace.