Mashaal accepts Moscow invitation
Palestine-Israel-Russia, Politics, 2/10/2006

The Islamic resistance movement Hamas welcomed the intention of the Russian president Vladimir Putin to invite its leadership to visit Moscow, which Israel had strongly regretted and accused Russia of violating rules of the Quartet committee.

Khaled Mashaal, Chairman of the Hamas's movement political bureau, said in Doha that the movement will respond to Putin's invitation to visit Moscow, commending the Russian policy on the Middle East.

Mashaal described Putin's position as brave and will lead to more balance in the international stand, considering that "the throne of the American influence has started to shake," as he alleged. Mashaal also announced he will be visiting Jordan, which he is prohibited from visiting since 6 years, within a tour aiming at explaining Hamas's program.

Israel had expressed its regret for Putin's position and called for not making contact with movements it said that are terrorists and seeking to destroy Israel. The spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry Marc Rejev said that talks with Hamas should not be made unless it "admits Israel's rights to existence, giving up terrorism, and accepts the Middle East peace process."

In Washington, the US asked for explanations from Moscow over its intention about Hamas, and called for abidance with Quartet decisions. In an attempt to define rules for any side seeking contact with Hamas, the US President said last week that Hamas should give up its aim to destroy Israel and to dismantle its weapons.

The prominent American official in the Middle East file David Welsh said that Washington wants any government meeting with the Palestinian to confirm the conditions stipulated by Quartet mediation committee in dealing with the Palestinians.

During their meeting in January 30, the representative of the Quartet in London called for "giving up violence, and recognizing Israel if Hamas takes part in a Palestinian government, otherwise the movement may lose the international aid."

Previous Stories:
  Moussa: Hamas asked conditions while Israel assassinates and creates settlements   (2/8/2006)
  On the Israeli settlements   (2/8/2006)
  On the Israeli settlements   (2/8/2006)
  Hamas invites Fatah to take part in the government   (2/8/2006)
  Church of England to divest companies profiting from Israel's occupation of Palestinians   (2/7/2006)
  US, EU diplomats meet with so-called terrorists   (2/7/2006)
  Putin calls for Palestinian support despite Hamas victory   (2/1/2006)
  Putin visits Ramullah, Abbas started to implement obligations over truce   (4/30/2005)
  Putin's visit to Israel, Palestine   (4/27/2005)

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