China invites Hamas to Beijing

Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud a-Zahar said Tuesday he has been invited to visit China next month, the first invitation from a non-Arab state since Hamas’ takeover of the Palestinian government.

Many countries said they will not hold diplomatic contacts with the Hamas government, which was inaugurated last week, because its members have refused to recognize Israel and disarm terror groups.

A-Zahar has been invited to Egypt, where he is scheduled to arrive next week.

He announced the planned visit to China after meeting the country’s envoy to the Palestinian Authority, Yang Wei Guo.

The PA foreign minister said he will head to the International Committee in East Asia after his visit to China.

“The Chinese told us they are ready to welcome a Palestinian delegation anytime,” a-Zahar said, adding, “we appreciate this visit, which is considered the first official visit by a foreign diplomat to the new Palestinian government.”

'We held no contacts with Hamas'

Yang did not speak of a-Zahar’s visit to Beijing, but said China respects the “democratic” choice of the Palestinian people. “We discussed relations and join projects, and we hope to continue strengthening cooperation and friendship in the future,” he said, adding that China will ‘continue to support the Palestinians’ struggle to achieve statehood.’

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mark Regev said Israel is concerned “over granting legitimacy and recognition to Hamas, which has not changed its ways, because we believe this will harm the chances of the new Palestinian government moderating its stance.”

Meanwhile, a- Zahar denied reports that Hamas officials had met French diplomats.

France rushed to deny the reports on Monday with Ambassador to Israel Gerard Araud saying: “We held no contacts with Hamas or the Palestinian government, so long they do not accept the three conditions set by the international community.”

France maintains that Hamas should denounce violence, recognize Israel and accept the international agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.