The quartet mediating for peace in the Middle East Thursday called on Hamas, an unexpected winner of the Palestinian legislative polls, to renounce terror, recognize the existence of Israel and disarm.

The call was contained in a statement issued after a conference call of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, U.S. Seceretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

"The quartet reiterates its view that there is a fundamental contradiction between armed group and militia activities and the building of a democratic state," the statement said.

"A two-state solution to the conflict requires all participants in the democratic process to renounce violence and terror, accept Israel's right to exist, and disarm, as outlined in the roadmap," it added.

In the so-called roadmap for peace in the Middle East, the quartet, composed of the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union (EU), envisioned a two-state solution, namely an independent and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with a secure Israel.

In the statement, the quartet expressed its belief that while lending Hamas a stunning election victory, the Palestinians remains committed to peace and statehood.

"The Palestinian people have voted for change, but it is the view of the quartet that their aspirations for peace and statehood, as articulated by President (Mahmoud) Abbas in his statement following the closing of polls yesterday, remains unchanged," the four major mediators said.

The quartet hailed the Palestinian Legislative Council elections as "free, fair and secure," during which Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, beat the ruling Fatah and won a clear majority in the 132-member parliament.

The quartet called on all parties to "respect the results of the election and the outcome of the Palestinian constitutional process so that it may unfold in an atmosphere of calm and security."

The United States has made it clear that Washington will not deal with Hamas unless the armed group drops its call for Israel's destruction and renounces violence.

Source: Xinhua