Olmert to Putin: Hamas visit a mistake
Russian President Putin calls Acting PM Olmert, two figures discuss new regional realities in wake of Hamas' elections victory. Putin: Negotiations are always complicated; Olmert: Russian invitation to Hamas a mistake
In the talk, initiated by Putin, the two figures discussed new realities in the region in the wake of Hamas' recent elections victory.
Prime Minister's Office sources said the talk lasted about 40 minutes and noted Putin stressed on several occasions that Russia would not adopt any step that would undermine Israeli interests and would not undermine Israeli security.
The Russian leader added that during talks between Russian officials and the visiting Hamas delegation, Moscow presented Quartet demands, including the need for Hamas to recognize Israel. Putin also clarified the Russian position, which favors holding contacts with Hamas, and added negotiations are always undertaken with a party holding on to difficult and complicated positions.
'No distinction between Hamas, Abbas'
Israel’s position regarding dialogue with Hamas is opposed to the Russian stance and Jerusalem will not hold talks with a terror organization such as Hamas, Acting PM Olmert stressed.
Olmert said he viewed it as “a mistake” that Russia invited Hamas for talks before the Palestinian group submitted to the three preconditions set by the quartet, which Russia is a part of.
Following a Hamas delegation’s weekend visit in Moscow, Olmert told Putin Sunday that Russia’s contacts with the group only encourage Hamas not to commit itself to making the changes demanded by the international community, which include recognizing Israel and renouncing terrorism.
When Hamas establishes its parliament, Olmert added, Israel will not make a practical distinction between PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas’ government.
According to a Kremlin spokesman, Olmert and Putin discussed the new situation in the Middle East since Hamas’ victory in the Palestinian elections. “It was a very productive conversation. Information and opinions regarding the new situation were exchanged,” the spokesman said.
