Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization

President Clinton waived section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 for six months, allowing the Palestine Liberation Organization to maintain its U.S. presence. The waiver was issued under authority from a 1999 appropriations act and certified as important to national security interests.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 58755

Impact dates

Apr 21, 2000
Waiver expiration (6 months from signing)

Key directives

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

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Waiver takes effect upon signing (October 21, 1999)
Secretary of State directed to transmit determination to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

Waiver remains in effect through initial months

Long term

Waiver expires April 21, 2000 unless extended by subsequent action

Risks & tensions

Controversial waiver of anti-terrorism statute for entity with complex designation history
Congressional notification requirement suggests legislative oversight tension
Temporary nature implies recurring political decision point