Hamas refuses to renounce violence until Israel agrees

“Russia is the first of the countries in the Middle East Quartet that respected the choice made by the Palestinian people and made it clear once again that it does not consider Hamas an extremist and terrorist movement,” said Mashaal. “We greatly appreciate this stance,” he added.

The other members of the Quartet of Middle East peacemakers, the US, the EU and the UN, have insisted they would not deal with a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.

They have threatened to withhold millions of dollars in desperately needed aid to the cash-strapped government unless the group recognises Israel and renounced violence. But Hamas has refused to renounce its calls for Israel’s destruction or give up its weapons, despite its decision to uphold a cease-fire declared a year ago.

“But if Israel recognises our rights and commits itself to leaving all occupied lands, then Hamas as well as the Palestinian people will take a decision to halt armed resistance,” he said.

Meanwhile in Gaza, a Hamas spokesman on Monday said, “The Prime minister will be a leader in Hamas.”

Mushir al Masri said a selection had been made by Hamas but he declined to disclose the name.

Several sources close to the deliberations said IsmailHaniyeh, head of Hamas’s parliamentary list, was a leading candidate for the post.

Masri said informal talks have already been held with some Palestinian parties but that Hamas’s choice for Prime minister would not be affected by the outcome of those discussions.

‘No talks with Hamas’

Jerusalem: Acting PM Ehud Olmert said on Sunday eveing that Israel has the backing of the international community in its refusal to negotiate with Hamas, but he pledged Israel would not close the door on all peace talks. Olmert said the leaders of US, UK, France and Italy back Israel’s policy toward Hamas. He did not mention Russia.

“We will not conduct any negotiations with Hamas or with anyone who is part of it or dependent on it,” Olmert said.

On Sunday, acting Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said the invitation to Moscow could crack international resolve to isolate Hamas.

“The Russian position is currently not accepted in the international community,” Livini told Israel radio. —AP