Hamas is still schlepping around begging countries for money so they can
continue their terror war against Israel.
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Ankara Warns HAMAS: Renounce Violence and Negotiate
Source:Zaman
By Suleyman Kurt, Erdal Sen, Ankara
Published: Friday, February 17, 2006
zaman.com
Turkey in efforts to contribute to the Middle East peace process hosted
the victor of January 25th Palestinian elections, the Islamic Resistance
Movement (HAMAS).
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in line with international
pressure made the suggestion "Give up violence, sit at the negotiation
table with Israel for peace. Allow the peaceful coexistence of Palestine
and Israel side by side as two independent states."
HAMAS leader Khaled Mashal made no clear statement indicating they have
met the expectations of the international community, but declared
democratic values will be accepted in Palestine.
An official taking part in talks approved these statements, and
commented "they can choose a flexible way." HAMAS leader Mashal, the
organization labeled a "terrorist organization" by the United States,
European Union and Israel, paid an unexpected visit to Ankara on
Thursday morning.
Though Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan approved the visit of HAMAS, he did
not meet with visiting officials. The HAMAS delegation were greeted by
Foreign Ministry authorities at Ankara Palace, used as the State Guest
House and then proceeded to the headquarters of ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP). Gul participated in a segment of the meeting
AKP officials held with Mashal.
Ankara notified in advance the US and Israel about the visit. While US
authorities were unopposed to the diplomatic efforts, the visit however,
caused a crisis with Israel. An Israeli official earlier announced the
visit would be damaging to Israeli-Turkish relations, and asked "How
would you feel if we hosted [Abdullah] Ocalan?"
Gul called HAMAS to "Renounce violence, negotiate with Israel," as HAMAS
made its first official contact in Ankara with Foreign Ministry officials.
The Turkish party was led by Foreign Ministry Assistant Adviser
Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu, who clearly communicated the expectations of
the international community. "You are politically the strongest in
Palestine, consider this a chance to establish the peace; do not miss
it," he reportedly said.
The HAMAS delegation offered insight as to why the Palestinian people
voted for them in the elections, and criticized "the West is siding with
stronger Israel."
They asked for Turkish support in maintaining international aid, and
were answered with "If you do what the international community asks you,
the problem will be solved. Turkey would then be a leading supporter for
you."
'Turkish democracy is our model'
Mashal disclosed Israel objected to the Road Map on four points, and
said, "They themselves opposed to the Road Map they asked us to accept."
A Turkish diplomat who joined the meeting offered his interpretations
about the HAMAS delegation, "They seemed to ease their conscience, and
reported events in Palestine, their expectations, and why people elected
them."
The second meeting of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement
Delegation was held at Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP)
headquarters.
"You have two alternatives before you: one ends a deadlock, and the
other follows a normal course," Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
warned Mashal.
Mashal in his press briefing after negotiations, said they received
"crucial and beneficial advice for the future of Palestinian people".
The HAMAS leader said they will continue to collaborate with Turkey. "We
will try our best to encourage Palestinians to become more civilized. We
obtained support not only from Arab countries but also from Muslim Turkey."
Mentioning HAMAS wishes to offer a solution to Palestinian problems,
Mashal added the understanding of democracy in Turkey is an example for
the Islamic world.
According to information received upon HAMAS' request to visit, Gul
informed the US, Israeli and Palestinian administrations. Ankara did not
take Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's objection into account.
Mashal escaped the Mossad with the help of Israel
On the agenda was the life of 50-year-old HAMAS leader Khaled Mashal,
particularly his brush with death following Israel’s 1997 assassination
attempt in Jordan. Mashal was injected in his ear with poison by Mossad
agents posing as tourists, under the order of former Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mashal was narrowly saved at the hospital
with the help of now departed King Hussein of Jordan. The King received
the antidote from Israel in return for the delivery of detained Mossad
agents, releasing 19 people including Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Mashal still
lives in exile in Damascus.
Meeting with Erdogan canceled
The meeting reportedly to be held between Mashal and Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan early Thursday was called off.
According to information obtained, Erdogan phoned Gul saying, "Attend
the meeting in my place."
HAMAS officials held a news briefing at AKP headquarters; however no
party administrators attended the briefing. The Movement members spent
the night at the five-star Active Metropolitan Hotel.
US: Clear messages are important
US Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson said Turkey joins the "clear" stance
of the international community regarding HAMAS. “What’s important is to
send a clear message during meetings."
Questioned by reporters at the US Embassy about HAMAS’ visit to Turkey,
Wilson clarified the United States is not concerned about the visit;
what really concerns them HAMAS’ answer to the stance of international
society. HAMAS should accept the conditions: to recognize Israel,
disarmament, the abandonment of terror and violence, and the full
following of agreements by the Palestinian Authority, Wilson enumerated.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20060218&hn=29872
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