Rice. Clear anti-Hamas policy
Photo: Reuters
Rice: No aid for Hamas-led PA
American secretary of state tells House of Representatives country set to suspend all fund transfers to PA headed by Hamas, adds U.S. to persuade other countries to halt financial assistance to Palestinians as well. Hamas can't aspire for peace while advocating terror, Rice says
WASHINGTON - American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vowed Thursday in a hearing at the House of Representatives the United States will ensure that the Palestinian government abides by the standards set the Quartet.
Only two days before the new Palestinian parliament is sworn in, and ahead of her planned trip to Arab countries next week, Rice also pledged to exert pressure on other states in a bid to get them to halt financial assistance for a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.
Rice presented before the House a policy that advocates blocking all aid to the Palestinians and suspending the transfer of funds already approved, excluding humanitarian assistance.
The secretary of state once again stated in her speech the international community's demands from the Palestinians to recognize Israel's right to exist, disarm its activists and renounce terror.
Hamas cannot aspire for a peaceful existence for its people in the framework of a peace process, while at the same time advocating terror, Rice said.
Hamas Deputy Political Bureau Head Moussa Abu Marzouk called on the U.S. on Thursday to remove his group's name from the list of terror organizations, saying the Americans must recognize Hamas before any dialogue can take place. However, it appears Rice has no plans of complying with this demand.
'No talks with Hamas'
During the hearing, Rice confronted harsh questions regarding the White House's policy to allow Hamas participation in the elections. The secretary of state said in response she believes it was important to enable the Palestinians to hold legitimate elections.
The U.S. still considers Hamas a terror group and will not negotiate with it, Rice said, adding the country will work with the international community to ensure no other state takes part in sponsoring terror.
According to Rice, Hamas must revise its charter and recognize Israel as a precondition for any future collaboration.
