Israeli defense minister, U.S. envoy discuss policy towards Hamas

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz met with U.S. envoy David Welch on Sunday discussing American and Israeli policies toward Hamas, Ha'aretz newspaper reported.

"Hamas is trying to mislead the international community, to sweet-talk it and to exhibit an appearance of responsibility," Mofaz told Welch.

Mofaz was referring to statements by Ismail Haneya, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) prime minister nominee, who said the Hamas-led government would establish a gradual peace with Israel if the latter withdrew to the 1967 borders.

"The simple fact is that they have not accepted any of the four rules, and this indicates their true intentions," Mofaz told Welch.

The four conditions dictated by the Quartet Committee which groups key Mideast peace brokers-- the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, to Hamas are disarming, recognizing Israel, rejecting terror and changing the organization 's charter.

Regarding aid to the PNA, Mofaz said Israel would not take any steps that could harm the Palestinian population. "The correct mechanism is to examine each case separately, and to transfer funds only after a comprehensive examination," he said.

Mofaz warned Welch that Hamas was trying to obtain support and create an alliance with Iran. "These attempts will create an axis of evil from Iran to Syria through Hezbollah to Hamas here in Israel", said Mofaz.

Welch is to meet Israeli Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert later Sunday to discuss American and Israeli policies regarding overtures and aid to a Palestinian government led by Hamas.

The sides are expected to agree on a "Hamas bypass route" which will allow Washington to channel aid funds directly to humanitarian organizations in the territories, or to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, rather than to a Hamas-led Palestinian government, Army Radio reported.

On Saturday, Welch promised PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that the United States will not cut off humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, even after a Hamas government takes over.

During the first high-level meeting between the two sides since the election victory of the Islamic group last month, Welch assured Abbas that the United States supports the chairman and his policies, and praised his speech during the opening Palestinian parliament session earlier this month, said the report.

"The United States has long been a supporter of the Palestinian people, through a substantial contribution of our foreign assistance funds... we continue to be devoted to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and it shall remain so," Welch said.

"It is our belief that it is important for the people in the Palestinian territories ... to have a good life in safety and security with economic well-being," Welch added.

At the weekend, Hamas leader Haneya said Hamas is "ready to recognize" Israel if it gives the Palestinian people their full rights and a state in lands occupied since 1967, including the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

"If Israel declares that it will give the Palestinian people a state and give them back all their rights, then we are ready to recognize it," Haneya told The Washington Post in an interview posted on its web site on Saturday.

Source: Xinhua