Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued a statement in response to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s decree ending the practice known as pay-to-slay. This decision marks a significant shift in policy regarding payments linked to acts of violence.
“While I am thrilled to hear that President Abbas has announced an end to pay-to-slay, I’ll believe it when I see it,” said MENA Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler. “There’s a reason we are planning to reintroduce the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act in the 119th Congress, precisely because this brazen and abhorrent practice was still in effect up until today.”
Lawler expressed cautious optimism about the potential impact of this decision on peace efforts in the region. “If this cancellation actually does result in the end of pay-to-slay terrorism, it will go a long way towards finding a permanent, peaceful solution to the conflicts we’ve seen in the Middle East,” he stated. “I remain cautiously optimistic that will be the case – but we must see the Palestinian Authority follow through on this.”
Congressman Lawler is noted for his bipartisan approach and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District. This area includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
