Jan 24, 2008
The letter from Obama was send first (read it in the previous day), the one from McCain second. Obama sent it to Khalilzad, McCain to Condi Rice. Compare:
Here is McCain's letter with some reminders from Obama's:
"The United Nations Security Council resumed today its discussions regarding a compromise statement that would address the situation in Gaza. As you know, UN statements have often served as platforms for rhetorical attacks against Israel by various member states. I urge you to ensure that this pattern does not repeat itself.
The United States should oppose any UN statement or resolution that fails to condemn vociferously the terrorist tactics employed by Hamas, including its rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. For the Security Council to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza without reference to the Israeli security situation would constitute a failure of responsibility (Obama wrote: I urge you to ensure that the Security Council issue no statement and pass no resolution on this matter that does not fully condemn the rocket assault Hamas has been conducting on civilians in southern Israel).
Hamas, which rules Gaza, has committed itself to the destruction of the Jewish state and has conducted hundreds of rocket attacks against Israel in recent days. After Israel resumed fuel supplies to the Gaza power plant yesterday and electricity was restored, rockets continued to fall on civilian areas in Israel.
The United Nations charter, which makes clear the inherent right of self-defense against armed attacks, applies to all states - including the State of Israel. In the face of continued violence by Hamas, Israel has taken steps to guarantee its security (Obama wrote: we have to understand why Israel is forced to do this... Israel has the right to respond while seeking to minimize any impact on civilians). I urge you to ensure that the Security Council recognizes Israel's right to do so and condemns Hamas for its continued campaign of violence against innocent civilians.
Sincerely,
John McCain
U.S. Senator"
Jan 23.2008
Dear Ambassador Khalilzad,
I understand that today the UN Security Council met regarding the situation in Gaza, and that a resolution or statement could be forthcoming from the Council in short order.
I urge you to ensure that the Security Council issue no statement and pass no resolution on this matter that does not fully condemn the rocket assault Hamas has been conducting on civilians in southern Israel...
All of us are concerned about the impact of closed border crossings on Palestinian families.
However, we have to understand why Israel is forced to do this... Israel has the right to respond while seeking to minimize any impact on civilians.
The Security Council should clearly and unequivocally condemn the rocket attacks... If it cannot bring itself to make these common sense points, I urge you to ensure that it does not speak at all.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
