Cheney: U.S. won't support terrorist PA state

U.S. Vice President addresses pro-Israel lobby, says 'if Hamas leaders wish to build prosperous state, way forward is clear'; meanwhile, Russian foreign minister says group will hopefully endorse Road Map

Yitzhak Benhorin|Published: 03.07.06 , 22:35

WASHINGTON - U.S. Vice President Richard Cheney, speaking in front of 5,000 supporters of the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from across the United States, vowed that America would not grant support to a Hamas-led government which did not recognize Israel and give up terrorism.

"One thing is certain: The United States will not be a party to the establishment of a Palestinian state that sponsors terror and violence," Cheney said.

"If the leaders of Hamas desire the help of America and the international community to build an independent, prosperous Palestinian state, then the way forward is very clear. The Palestinian government must recognize Israel's right to exist. And Hamas must renounce terror and dismantle the infrastructure of terror," he declared.

Cheney addressed concerns about negative results from a democratization of the Middle East.

"I recognize that the outcome of last month's election has caused some to question whether democracy is truly the way toward peace in the Middle East. They argue that, by promoting democratic change, we are actually destabilizing the region and undermining hopes for peace. I believe that's a faulty argument," he said.

Cheney: U.S, Israel are natural allies (Photo: Reuters)

"For decades, many thought it was worth tolerating oppression for the sake of stability in that region. But we were only buying time as problems multiplied, and demagogues stirred resentment, and the ideologies of violence took hold. We must make a clean break with that history of failed policy," Cheney continued.

"By helping the peoples of that region gain the freedom to express their views, to have open debate, and to choose their own leaders, we have a better chance of defeating the radicalism that threatens us all," said the vice president," he said.

"An alternative to democratic rule is command and control by a tiny elite. That's unfortunately what we have seen for much of the past decade in the Palestinian territories – and we're still living with the legacy of corruption, broken promises, abject poverty, the collapse of the rule of law and, ultimately, the outbreak of a terrorist campaign on Israel's doorstep," he added.

Cheney said that the U.S. and Israel were intertwined by the shared values of democracy and freedom.

"As fellow democracies, both founded in struggle, we have shown our devotion to the ideals of liberty, equality, and the dignity of every person. We have shown, as well, great resolve and deep faith in times of testing and a true willingness to work and sacrifice for the cause of peace. We are, as President Bush has said, natural allies. There is no doubt that America's commitment to Israel's security is solid, enduring and unshakeable," he said.

Lavrov: Hopeful Hamas would endorse Road Map

Turning to the issue of Iran, Cheney warned: "For our part, the United States is keeping all options on the table in addressing the irresponsible conduct of the regime."

"Terrorists have targeted people of every nationality and every religious faith, including Muslims who disagree with them. The war on terror is a fight against evil; victory in this war will be a victory for peaceful men and women of every religious faith," he added.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday he was hopeful after talks with Hamas in Moscow this week that the group would endorse the Israeli-Palestinian Road Map peace accord.

Speaking at a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Lavrov said that "we ... heard from them that they would be ready to express their position on the road map and to hopefully endorse the road map as drafted by the Quartet without any reservations."

Rice did not comment on Moscow's discussions with Hamas, but she has said Washington will not deal with the group unless it changes its negative policies toward Israel.

Hamas has said publicly it cannot recognize Israel's existence and therefore would not be party to agreements like the road map, which requires the sides to take steps to reach a negotiated settlement toward peace and Palestinian statehood.

The Russian foreign minister also said Hamas, which is responsible for dozens of suicide bombings in Israel, was prepared to consider joining an Arab plan proposed by Saudi Arabia at an Arab League summit in March 2002.

Under that plan, Arab leaders offered normal relations with Israel in return for withdrawal to its 1967 borders. Israel, however, was lukewarm to that proposal.

The Quartet agreed in talks in London on January 30 that aid to the Palestinians would be reviewed if Hamas did not renounce violence, recognize Israel and accept previous agreements between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Lavrov said Hamas assured Russia that foreign assistance to the Palestinians would be spent in a transparent manner and promised to allow international monitors to ensure this.

Russia plans to continue giving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people via U.N. agencies and Lavrov left open the possibility of a meeting again soon with Hamas.