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WASHINGTON - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) today made the following statement in response to reports that the Bush Administration is considering cutting loan guarantees to Israel if it does not stop construction of a security fence along the West Bank:
"The Administration's threat to cut aid to Israel unless it stops construction of a security fence is a heavy-handed tactic, and it has no place in relations between allies. If President Bush adopts this approach it will be no more successful than a similar attempt during the first Bush Administration. The Israeli people have the right to defend themselves from terrorism, and a security fence may be necessary to achieve this. Forcing Israel to choose between self-defense and U.S. support will not advance the peace process. The President must not confuse pressure tactics with the real commitment and assurances the United States must convey to both Israelis and the Palestinians to achieve peace and security."
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