U.S. rejects Haniyeh's call for dialogue
Photo: AP
U.S. rejects Hamas' dialogue call
Americans unimpressed by Hamas attempts to display moderation, reject call for talks with Quartet
WASHINGTON - The U.S. government rejected Monday a call by designated Palestinian Prime Minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to engage in a dialogue with the Quartet.
Despite attempts by Haniyeh to display moderation, Washington is apparently interested in hearing unequivocal declarations from Hamas. American terms for Hamas include recognition of the State of Israel, the honoring of agreements signed between the PA and Israel, and a clear declaration on an end to violence and the disbanding of terror infrastructures.
Monday morning, Haniyeh spoke before the Palestinian legislative council in Ramallah, saying that his government would strengthen ties with the international community and with the European Union. He called on the international community to reconsider the stance of the new Palestinian government and to stop threatening it with sanctions.
"We call on the international community to recognize the democratic choice of the Palestinian people, and we welcome and value the stance of Russia. The new government will be ready for dialogue with the international Quartet in order to strengthen stability and regional peace," Haniyeh said.
State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said Hamas must meet the conditions laid out by the international community, adding that the Quartet made its position very clear.
McCormack added the onus was now on Hamas and said the U.S. would work with the Quartet and European states on the issue. He noted the U.S. was focusing on offering humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and said this was no time for dialogue as long as Hamas retains its old positions.
The U.S. spokesman said that this was not a time for dialogue, so long as Hamas kept up its old stances.
