White House: Palestinian unity gov’t must renounce terror, a

[Talo alle udaa]

White House: Palestinian unity gov’t must renounce terror, accept Israel
April 27, 2011

(JTA) -- Reacting to news that rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas had agreed to a reconciliation deal, the Obama government said any Palestinian unity government must accept Israel's right to exist and renounce terrorism -- conditions that Hamas does not meet.

The surprise deal to form an interim government and hold general elections within a year was reached Wednesday in secret negotiations in Cairo between the two sides, according to reports. A formal announcement of the reconciliation reportedly will be made next week.

“All points of differences have been overcome," said Taher Al-Nono, a Hamas spokesman in the Gaza Strip, according to Reuters.

The two sides have been at odds since Hamas violently ousted Fatah from the Gaza Strip in 2007. Fatah, which dominates the Palestinian Authority, rules in the West Bank, while Hamas rules in Gaza.

Israel has a working relationship with Fatah but has no direct contact with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization that remains sworn to Israel’s destruction.

Reacting to news of the reconciliation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel could not carry out peace negotiations with a government that includes Hamas.

"You can't have peace with both Israel and Hamas," Netanyahu said of the Palestinian Authority. "Choose peace with Israel."

Tommy Vietor, the U.S. National Security Council spokesman, said the White House had seen news reports of the deal and was seeking more information.

"As we have said before, the United States supports Palestinian reconciliation on terms which promote the cause of peace," he said. "Hamas, however, is a terrorist organization which targets civilians."

Vietor referred to conditions set by the Quartet, the U.S.-guided diplomatic grouping that also includes Russia, the United Nations and the European Union.

"To play a constructive role in achieving peace," he said, "any Palestinian government must accept the Quartet principles and renounce violence, abide by past agreements and recognize Israel's right to exist."

[Talo alle udaa]

Surprisingly enough, the two biggest palestinian groups, Fatah and Hamas signed a deal paving the way for a unity govt. It seems the U.S. govt was caught off guard.

[AhlulbaytSoldier]

"Hamas, however, is a terrorist organization which targets civilian

If that is the definition of terrorism, it only means that israel is the biggest terrorist organization.

Congrats to the palestinian Unity. Hopefully they will also unite in the blessed muqawamah/resistance.

[Kukri]

How long will that unity last i wonder?

fatah are not to be trusted but for their sake lets hope their unity brings about something fruitful.

[union]

Hamas must renounce its call for the dismantlement of the state of Israel. It's bad PR for them, in the non Muslim world at least.

[kadarre]

No matter how large the tyrant you have to resist!!

[barakaboy10]

Hamas must renounce its call for the dismantlement of the state of Israel. It's bad PR for them, in the non Muslim world at least.

really?

regardless what Hamas believes, Israel wouldn't give a damn about them. Fatah has denounced terrorism, met many demands from Israel and the west, particularly from the USA, and what they get in return is nothing but a slap in the face!!!

nothing will ever change unless Arabs unite against their sworn enemies and collectively do something about it.

[Kukri]

nothing will ever change unless Arabs unite against their sworn enemies and collectively do something about it.

walaahi didnt mean to laugh, but there is something depressingly hilarious about that statement.

[barakaboy10]

nothing will ever change unless Arabs unite against their sworn enemies and collectively do something about it.

walaahi didnt mean to laugh, but there is something depressingly hilarious about that statement.

why?

you think it is never plausible?

[Kukri]

I can never say never because i aint The Almighty.

But NO!

Even if it happens it won't be in our life time.