Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Hamas PM rejects quartet conditions for aid


"GAZA CITY (AFP) - Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya has rejected conditions set by the so-called Middle East quartet for resuming direct financial aid to the Palestinian administration.

"Conditions are being imposed on the Palestinian people. They want us to condemn the resistance and that we recognise (international) agreements," he told hundreds of Palestinians rallying in support of his Hamas-led government on Wednesday.

"We are sticking by the national reconciliation document which does not recognise the legality of the occupation and reaffirms the legality of the resistance" that will "continue," Haniya added.

The quartet has demanded Haniya's radical governing movement Hamas formally recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by past peace agreements.

"We do not want to damage the interests of the Palestinian people," added Haniya, making clear that in his eyes, that meant not capitulating."

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