ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization Office

President Bush waived section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 for six months, allowing the Palestine Liberation Organization to maintain its office in Washington, D.C., citing U.S. national security interests. The determination requires transmission to Congress and publication in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 62847

Impact dates

  1. Waiver expires

Key directives

  • Waive section 1003 of Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987
  • Transmit determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State directed to transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • PLO office remains operational under waiver authority

Long term

  • Waiver expires April 9, 2009 unless renewed; potential for repeated renewals or lapse

Risks & tensions

  • Periodic waiver requirement creates recurring political leverage point; text does not specify conditions for renewal or what happens if Congress objects
  • Balancing anti-terrorism statute with diplomatic engagement on Israeli-Palestinian peace process
Presidential Determination: Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization Office · Executive Orders