U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday urged Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel.

"The leaders of Hamas have a choice to make. If they want the help of America and the international community to build a prosperous, independent Palestinian state, they must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism, and work for lasting peace," Bush said in a speech on the war against terrorism.

"The international community must continue to make clear to Hamas that democratically elected leaders cannot have one foot in the camp of democracy and one foot in the camp of terror," Bush said.

"The world is waiting to see what choice Hamas makes," Bush added.

Bush said that Hamas' election victory came from its slogan of fighting corruption and improving social services and "that is how a Hamas government will be judged by the Palestinian people."

Source: Xinhua