US government statements emphasizing support for a two-state solution

US Presidential Statements

- Barack Obama: Press Conference at the Nuclear Security Summit: The President states that resolving conflicts such as the one between Israelis and Palestinians is a “vital national security interest for the United States.” April 13, 2010 – http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/press-conference-president-nuclear-security-summit [2]

- Barack Obama: Remarks at a Town Hall Meeting and Q&A Session in Tampa, Florida: The President says from the beginning his Administration has been seeking a two-state solution. January 28, 2010 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=87462&st=two-state&st1=solution [3]

- Barack Obama: Speech at the UN General Assembly: The President reaffirms that “the goal is clear: two states living side by side in peace and security.” September 23, 2009 - http://www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate/pdf/US_en.pdf [4]

- Barack Obama: Remarks on the observance of Ramadan: The President highlights the need for peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution. August 21, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86556&st=two-state&st1=solution [5]

- Barack Obama: News Conference with President Sarkozy of France: President Obama highlights the need for negotiations in support of a two-state solution. June 6, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86254&st=two-state&st1=solution [6]

- Barack Obama: News Conference with Chancellor Merkel of Germany: The President highlights the importance of a two-state solution for Israeli, Palestinian and US national interests. June 5, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86248&st=two-state&st1=solution [7]

- Barack Obama: Interview by foreign journalists: The President argues that both Palestinians and Israelis will recognize that a two-state solution is in both of their interests. June 4, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86244&st=two-state&st1=solution [8]

- Barack Obama: Remarks by the President on a new beginning: At Cairo University, the President says peace "is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires." June 4, 2009 - http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-cairo-university-6-04-09 [9]

- Barack Obama: Interview by NPR: The President says negotiations towards a two-state solution will, in his view, lead to peace and meet the needs of both Palestinians and Israelis. June 1, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86247&st=two-state&st1=solution [10]

- Barack Obama: Remarks following a meeting with President Abbas and an exchange with reporters: The President reiterates his support and strong belief the two-state solution would provide Palestinians and Israelis the peace and security they need. May 28, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86214&st=two-state&st1=solution [11]

- Barack Obama: Remarks following a meeting with PM Netanyahu and an exchange with reporters: The President says peace is in the interests of all parties. May 18, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86174&st=two-state&st1=solution [12]

- Barack Obama: Remarks following a meeting with King Abdullah II and an exchange with reporters: The President reiterates his position of strong support for a two-state solution. April 21, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86029&st=two-state&st1=solution [13]

- Barack Obama: News Conference: The President says it is critical to advance a two-state solution. March 24, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=85909&st=two-state&st1 [14]

- George W. Bush: News Conference: The President emphasizes his support for the two-state solution. January 12, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=85430&st=two-state&st1=solution [15]

- George W. Bush: Remarks at the Saban Forum: The President states his Administration’s support for a two-state solution has been a top priority. December 5, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=85109&st=two-state&st1=solution [16]

- George W. Bush: News Conference with President Sarkozy of France: President Bush reiterates his role as the first US president to formally endorse a two-state solution. June 14, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77535&st=two-state&st1=solution [17]

- George W. Bush: Remarks at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: The President affirms his support for and commitment to a two-state solution and his determination to stand with Palestinians and Israelis who support his position. June 13, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77488&st=two-state&st1=solution [18]

- George W. Bush: Remarks at the World Economic Forum in Sharm el-Sheikh: President Bush says he would stand with the Palestinian people, “who have suffered for decades and earned the right to have a homeland of their own.” May 18, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77377&st=two-state&st1=s... [19]

- George W. Bush: Interview by Egypt’s Dream TV: The interview highlights President’s role as the first US president to articulate a two-state solution. May 12, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77350&st=two-state&st1=solution [20]

- George W. Bush: Interview by Israel’s Channel 10 TV: The President reiterates support for the two-state solution. May 12, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77349&st=two-state&st1=solution [21]

- George W. Bush: Interview by Al Arabiya Television: The President states that Iran and others are trying to hinder the realization of the two-state solution. May 12, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77346&st=two-state&st1=solution [22]

- George W. Bush: Interview by BBC Arabic: The President emphasizes his support for the two-state solution. May 12, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77323&st=two-state&st1=solution
[23]
- George W. Bush: Remarks following a meeting with President Mubarak of Egypt: The President reiterates his belief that the leadership of Israel and the Palestinians are committed to a two-state solution. January 16, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76277&st=two-state&st1=solution [24]

- George W. Bush: News Conference with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: The President reiterates his position in support of a two-state solution. January 10, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76250&st=two-state&st1=solution [25]

- George W. Bush: Remarks following a meeting with President Gul of Turkey: The President reiterates his position in support of a two-state solution. January 8, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76244&st=two-state&st1=solution [26]

- George W. Bush: Interview by Channel 2 News: The President reiterates his position in support of a two-state solution. January 4, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76257&st=two-state&st1=solution [27]

- George W. Bush: Remarks at the Annapolis Conference: The President announces each party’s commitment to implement their respective obligations under the Roadmap. November 27, 2007 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76085&st=two-state+solut... [28]

- George W. Bush: Letter from the President to ATFP Second Gala: The President writes about his Administration’s active engagement in pursuit of a two-state solution. October 17, 2007 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/letter_president_george_w_bush_atfp_sec... [29]

- George W. Bush: ‘Making America Safer by Defeating Extremists in the Middle East’ Fact Sheet: The President emphasizes vital US interests in the Middle East and reiterates his commitment to the two-state solution. August 28, 2007 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=83333&st=two-state+solut... [30]

- George W. Bush: Remarks on the Middle East: The President calls for an international meeting in support of the two-state solution. July 16, 2007 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=75592&st=two-state+solut... [31]

- George W. Bush: Remarks following discussions with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: The President says he believes peace will come through two democratic states living side by side. September 20, 2006 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=23697&st=two-state+solut... [32]

- George W. Bush: United States-European Union Summit Joint Declaration: The parties reaffirm their dedication to promote a negotiated solution to the conflict and to advance a just, viable and lasting two-state solution. June 21, 2006 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=178&st=two-state+solutio... [33]

- George W. Bush: News Conference With President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: The President emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of the parties and reasserts US commitment to the two-state solution throughout the final status negotiations. May 26, 2005 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=73644&st=two-state+solut... [34]

- George W. Bush: Statement on the Israeli Disengagement Plan and the Middle East Peace Process: The President reiterates that the two-state solution is the key to peace. April 14, 2004 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72600&st=two-state+solut... [35]

- George W. Bush: Rose Garden Speech at the White House on Israel-Palestine Two-State Solution: For the first time, a US President endorses “two states, living side by side in peace and security.” June 24, 2002 –http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gwbushtwostatesolution.htm

US Senior Administration Statements

- Susan E. Rice: Speech at the Arab American Institute Annual Gala: “President Obama and all of us in his Administration are determined to reach a comprehensive peace in the Middle East—central to which is a two-state solution. President Obama has defined this goal as a vital U.S. interest.” April 21, 2010 - http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/2010/140691.htm [36]

- Hillary Clinton: Speech at the Center for Middle East Peace: The Secretary highlights that the “US supports two tracks… reaching a two-state solution and also institution building.” April 15, 2010 - http://www.americantaskforce.org/in_media/pr/2010/04/15/1271304000_0 [37]

- Hillary Clinton: Speech at The American Israel Public Affairs Committee: The Secretary reasserts that the two-state solution is the only viable path to peace. March 22, 2010 –http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/03/138722.htm

- Joe Biden: Interview by Al Jazeera: The Vice President endorses a two-state solution and says the status-quo is not beneficial to either side. March 11, 2010 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1XyJtehphw [38]

- Hillary Clinton: Speech at the U.S.-Islamic World Forum: The Secretary says comprehensive peace in the Middle East requires a two-state solution. February 14, 2010 – http://www.cfr.org/publication/21438/clintons_speech_at_the_usislamic_wo... [39]

- Joe Biden: Speech at Tel Aviv University: The Vice President applauds PM Netanyahu’s acceptance of the principle of two states and reaffirms the US commitment to the two-state solution. March 11, 2010 – http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2010/March/20100311123835eai... [40]

- Gen. James L. Jones: Remarks at Fourth ATFP Gala: The NSA says the President is personally committed to achieving two states. October 15, 2009 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/remarks_national_security_advisor_gen_j... [41]

- George Mitchell: Press Briefing on the President’s Trilateral Meeting with PM Netanyahu and President Abbas: The Special Envoy highlights Israeli and Palestinian needs for comprehensive peace through a two-state solution. September 22, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86661&st=two-state&st1=s... [42]

- Robert Gibbs: Press Briefing: The Press Secretary emphasizes the Obama Administration’s position about the necessity of a two-state solution. May 18, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86178&st=two-state&st1=s... [43]

- Joe Biden: Remarks at the Annual Policy Conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee: The Vice President talks about the President’s commitment to a two-state solution. May 5, 2009 – http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-By-The-Vice-President... [44]

- Robert Gibbs: Press Briefing: The Press Secretary reiterates the position of the Obama Administration on a sustained effort for a two-state solution. May 4, 2009 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=86101&st=two-state&st1=s... [45]

- George Mitchell: Cairo Speech: The Special Envoy says comprehensive peace requires a solution based upon two-states. April 19, 2009 - http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/rm/2009/121907.htm [46]

- James Glassman: Remarks at Third ATFP Gala: The Under-Secretary reiterates Administration’s commitment to the two-state solution, and reads a letter from President Bush. October 12, 2008 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/remarks_under_secretary_james_glassman_... [47]

- Stephen Hadley: Press Briefing on President’s speech in Sharm-el-Sheikh: The National Security Advisor reiterates of President Bush’s strong commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state. May 18, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77338&st=two-state&st1=s... [48]

- Stephen Hadley: Press Briefing on President’s trip to the ME: The NSA highlights the President's support for a two-state solution. May 7, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=77224&st=two-state&st1=s... [49]

- Stephen Hadley: Press Briefing on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: The NSA describes how the Bush Administration is supporting a two-state solution. January 10, 2008 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=62257&st=two-state&st1=s... [50]

- Stephen Hadley: Remarks on the Middle East and Freedom Agenda: The NSA talks about the US commitment to the two-state solution. November 28, 2007 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=83162&st=two-state+solut... [51]

- Condoleezza Rice: Testimony at the Committee on Foreign Relations House Hearing, 110th Congress: The Secretary reaffirms the Administration's commitment to the establishment of a successful Palestinian state. October 24, 2007 – http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/110/38542.pdf [52]

- Nicholas Burns: Keynote Address at Second ATFP Gala: The Undersecretary talks about the Administration’s commitment to the two-state solution. October 17, 2007 - http://www.americantaskforce.org/keynote_address_nicolas_burns_atfps_sec... [53]

- Condoleezza Rice: Press Conference: The Secretary says the key is to continue down the road towards a two-state solution. March 25, 2007 - http://israelipalestinian.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=002050 [54]

- Condoleezza Rice: Keynote Address at ATFP Inaugural Gala: The Secretary says "I believe that there could be no greater legacy for America than to help to bring into being a Palestinian state." October 11, 2006 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/keynote_address_secretary_state_condole... [55]

- Condoleezza Rice: Interview by Al Arabiya: The NSA reaffirms the President’s commitment to the two-state solution. May 3, 2004 – http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=80924&st=two-state+solut... [56]

- Colin Powell: On-The-Record Briefing: The Secretary states the Administration is committed to a two-state solution. January 8, 2004 - http://israelipalestinian.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=001844 [57]

Congressional Statements

- Diane Feinstein (D-CA): Feinstein says Hezbollah may have scud missiles: Senator Feinstein says “there is only one thing that’s going to solve [dangers for Israel], and that’s a two-state solution.” April 21, 2010 - http://senatus.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/feinstein-says-hezbollah-may-hav... [58]

- John Kerry (D-MA): Opening Statement at the Committee on Foreign Relations Senate Hearing, 111th Congress: The Senator reaffirms that two-state solution remains the only workable and just solution. March 4, 2010 – http://kerry.senate.gov/cfm/record.cfm?id=322768 [59]

- Howard Berman (D-CA): Remarks to Americans for Peace Now: The Chairman talks about the need to bring the two parties together in order to advance the two-state solution. January 24, 2010 – http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=703 [60]

- Chuck Hagel (R-NE): Speech at J-Street First National Conference: The Senator stresses that “now is the time when we must aggressively drive toward a two-state solution.” October 27, 2009 – http://www.acus.org/highlight/chuck-hagel-delivers-speech-j-street-first... [61]

- John Kerry (D-MA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Russ Feingold (D-WI): Briefing of Statements at the Committee on Foreign Relations Senate Hearing, 111th Congress: The Senators state that “no workable alternative to the two-state solution” and that “the United States has felt for a long time the two-state settlement is the best idea.” May 15, 2009 – http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/political-transcript-wire/mi_816... [62]

- Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO): Letter to President BarackObama: The Representatives underline that resolving conflicts, and in particular, finally implementing a two-state solution, is essential for American interests in the Middle East and around the world. May 13, 2009 - http://www.reiner-bernstein.de/genferinitiative/ge_erklaerungen/Cohen-Bo... [63]

- John Kerry (D-MA): Speech on the Middle East at the Brookings Institute: The Senator confirms that “we all know what it’s going to take: two states living side by side in peace and security.” March 9, 2009 - http://kerry.senate.gov/cfm/record.cfm?id=309250 [64]

- Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY): Press Statement: The Chairman reaffirms that peace and security will only come with the two-state solution. March 2, 2009 – http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?sub_id=149 [65]

- John Kerry (D-MA): Opening Statement at the Committee on Foreign Relations Senate Hearing, 110th Congress: The Senator stresses the importance of a two-state solution and an increase in US efforts to support it. September 25, 2008 – http://foreign.senate.gov/hearings/2008/hrg080925p.html [66]

- Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY): Statement at the Committee on Foreign Relations House Hearing, 110th Congress: The Chairman says Palestinians are ready for a two-state solution. December 5, 2007 – http://ackerman.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=56&itemid=357 [67]

- Chris Dodd (D-CT): Interview by CNN Late Edition: The Senator says: “Nothing would please me more than to have a two-state solution here.” December 2, 2007 - http://www.ontheissues.org/Archive/2007_Late_Edition_Foreign_Policy.htm [68]

- Chuck Hagel (R-NE): Interview by the Council on Foreign Relations: The Senator says the US has strong interest in getting to “what everybody says they believe is the answer, and that's a two-state solution.” November 28, 2007 – http://www.cfr.org/publication/14895/conversation_with_chuck_hagel_rush_... [69]

- Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN): S.R.224 – Israeli-Palestinian Peace Resolution: Senators Feinstein and Lugar reaffirm American support for a two-state solution and urge President Bush to appoint a high-level peace negotiator to revive peace talks between the parties. June 7, 2007 – http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressRe... [70]

- Chuck Hagel (R-NE): Speech at the US Senate, 109th Congress: The Senator talks about the importance of a two-state solution in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. July 31, 2006 – http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/articles/2006/ioi/060801-hagel-speech.... [71]

- Carl Levin (D-MI): Remarks at ATFP Inaugural Gala: The Senator speaks about the importance of establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel. October 11, 2006 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/remarks_senator_carl_levin_atfp_inaugur... [72]

- John Sununu (R-NH): Remarks at ATFP Inaugural Gala: The Senator speaks about the need to expand public diplomacy vis-à-vis the two-state solution. October 11, 2006 – http://www.americantaskforce.org/remarks_senator_john_sununu_atfp_inaugu... [73]

- Richard G. Lugar (R-IN): Opening Statement at the Committee on Foreign Relations Senate Hearing, 109th Congress: The Senator says the advancement of the two-state solution is “urgently needed”. June 30, 2005 - http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_senate_hea... [74]

- Joe Biden (D-DE): Opening Statement at the Committee on Foreign Relations Senate Hearing, 109th Congress Senate Hearing: The Senator says the US should support Israeli disengagement and Palestinian institution building in order to advance the two-state solution. June 30, 2005 - http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_senate_hea... [74]