ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D

Presidential Determination

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

President Clinton used authority under the 1995 Middle East Peace Facilitation Act to temporarily suspend four statutory restrictions on U.S. dealings with the Palestine Liberation Organization through August 12, 1996. The determination also certified that the PLO, Palestinian Authority, and successors were meeting their commitments and that prior U.S. funds were used properly.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 32629

Impact dates

  1. Suspension of statutory restrictions expires

Key directives

  • Suspend application of 22 U.S.C. 2227 (Foreign Assistance Act Section 307) re PLO through August 12, 1996
  • Suspend application of 22 U.S.C. 287e note (State Authorization Act Section 114) re PLO through August 12, 1996
  • Suspend application of 22 U.S.C. 5202 (Foreign Relations Authorization Act Section 1003) through August 12, 1996
  • Suspend application of 22 U.S.C. 286w (Bretton Woods Agreement Act Section 37) re PLO IMF observer status through August 12, 1996
  • Certify PLO/Palestinian Authority/successors abiding by commitments under section 604(b)(4) of the Act
  • Certify prior funds used for intended purposes under P.L. 103-236 and P.L. 102-125
  • Transmit determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Suspension of four legal restrictions takes effect upon certification
  • Transmission to Congress and Federal Register publication directed

Near term (90d)

  • Suspension expires August 12, 1996 unless extended

Long term

  • Potential precedent for executive waiver of congressionally imposed PLO restrictions
  • Continued conditional U.S.-Palestinian engagement framework

Risks & tensions

  • Temporary nature creates policy cliff; uncertainty whether extension would follow
  • Congressional oversight tension: executive waiver of legislatively imposed restrictions
  • Certification requirements create accountability mechanism but rely on executive self-attestation
  • Vague text on 'successor entities' to PLO/PA leaves interpretive latitude
Presidential Determination: Suspending Restrictions on U.S. Relations With the Palestine Liberation Organization · Executive Orders