Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization

In simple terms

President Clinton waived for six months a provision of the 1987 Anti-Terrorism Act that restricted the Palestine Liberation Organization, certifying the waiver as important to U.S. national security interests. The Secretary of State was directed to transmit the determination to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 24852

Record & deadlines

Apr 21, 2000Signed
Signed by the President
Apr 27, 2000FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 65 FR 24852
Federal Register PDF
Oct 21, 2000
Waiver expires unless renewed

Key directives

Waive section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 for 6 months
Transmit determination to Congress
Publish determination in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · State Department

What to expect

Immediate

Waiver takes effect upon signing (April 21, 2000)
Secretary of State directed to transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

Waiver remains in effect through October 21, 2000

Long term

Potential renewal or expiration of waiver after 6-month period

Risks & tensions

Periodic waiver requirement creates recurring political friction with Israel supporters in Congress
Balancing counterterrorism statute with Middle East peace process diplomacy
Document cites vague 'national security interests' standard without elaboration