Suspending Restrictions on U.S. Relations With the Palestine Liberation Organization

President Clinton suspended four statutory restrictions on U.S. relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization through December 31, 1995, certifying it was in the national interest and that the PLO continued to abide by peace commitments. The determination enabled continued U.S. diplomatic and financial engagement with the PLO during the Oslo peace process.

Federal Register Open PDF 60 FR 57821

Impact dates

Dec 31, 1995
Suspension of statutory restrictions expires

Key directives

Suspend Section 307 of Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 re PLO through December 31, 1995
Suspend Section 114 of Department of State Authorization Act re PLO through December 31, 1995
Suspend Section 1003 of Foreign Relations Authorization Act re PLO through December 31, 1995
Suspend Section 37 of Bretton Woods Agreement Act re PLO observer status at IMF through December 31, 1995
Certify PLO continues to abide by commitments in Section 583(b)(4) of the Act
Transmit determination to Congress
Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Suspension of four statutory restrictions takes effect upon signing (November 13, 1995)
Secretary of State authorized to transmit to Congress and publish

Near term (90d)

Suspension remains in effect through December 31, 1995 (48 days from signing)

Long term

Potential renewal or lapse of suspension depending on congressional action and PLO compliance after December 31, 1995

Risks & tensions

Short 48-day window creates uncertainty about post-December 31 engagement
Congressional opposition to PLO engagement may limit renewal
Certification of PLO compliance is politically sensitive and fact-dependent