JERUSALEM, ISRAEL–During his second day in Israel, Congressman Jim Langevin today met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Silvan Shalom and members of the legislative lawmaking body of Israel, the Knesset.  Langevin also visited various neighborhoods in Jerusalem.

 “For decades, Israelis have struggled towards the goal of peaceful co-existence, only to have their efforts thwarted by terrorism,” said Congressman Langevin.  “Today’s meetings with the Israeli and Palestinian Prime Ministers provided us with an opportunity to hear from both sides their respective approaches to the ongoing violence and Israel’s struggle for peace.  As the United States continues to play a critical role in the peace process, it is important that those of us voting upon policy and aid know the conflict from each perspective.”

 Following a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Silvan Shalom, Langevin traveled to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.  The Knesset is comprised of 120 members who are elected every four years and serves as Israel’s chief lawmaking body, similar to the United States House of Representatives.  At the Knesset, Langevin met with the Honorable Ruby Rivlin, the Speaker of the legislative body, where they discussed the similarities between democracy in the United States and Israel.  The trip also provided an opportunity to bolster relations between Congress and the Knesset.

 After meeting with Knesset officials, Langevin traveled to Gaza to meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.  Abbas discussed the Israeli - Arab conflict and the ‘Roadmap to Peace’ from the Palestinian perspective.  Langevin spent approximately 1 hour with Abbas.

 Langevin then traveled back to Jerusalem for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, during which they discussed an array of issues including the peace process and continued diplomatic relations with the United States.

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