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Livni: Hamas win affects region, world
Foreign minister visits U.S., tells reporters Hamas' elections victory 'problematic,' not merely internal Palestinian matter. Livni says Israel will not accept situation where terror group leads Palestinian people
Yitzhak Benhorin
WASHINGTON - Hamas' victory in the recent Palestinian Authority elections is "problematic" and the international community must recognize this reality and speak out against it, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Tuesday in Washington.
Livni, who is visiting the United States for the first time since assuming the post of foreign minister, spoke with reporters following a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah in Washington and told them developments in Israel and Hamas' win are not merely an internal Palestinian matter, but rather, affect the entire region and the world.
Livni's visit to the U.S. aims to reiterate the principles established by the Quartet and adopted by the United Nations Security Council regarding an end to terrorism. According to Livni, the principles are non-negotiable. The minister added that Hamas recognition of Israel, condemnation of terror, disarmament, and the honoring of previous agreements signed between Israel and the PA are basic pre-requisites for continued negotiations.
No negotiations for now
At this time, the four principles must be stressed and strength must be displayed instead of resorting to negotiations, she said.
The Palestinians convinced the world elections must be held, followed by the dismantlement of terror groups, Livni said, noting that Israel would not accept a situation where a terror group leads the Palestinian people.
Addressing the wellbeing of the Palestinians, Livni said Israel does not wish for them to live in substandard conditions.
However, the minister said the Palestinians elected a terror organization, and that Israel must make it clear concern for the Palestinian people is the job of PA leader Mahmoud Abbas and the new Palestinian government, yet to be formed.
On Wednesday, Livni is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with senior American officials, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and vice president Richard Cheney.
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