Bush refuses to back Hamas

2006-03-30 07:55

Washington - United States President George W Bush said on Wednesday it made "no sense" to support the new Hamas-led Palestinian government unless the radical Islamic group renounced violence against Israel.

Bush defended his threat to cut funding to the Palestinian government if Hamas refuses to recognise Israel, even though the militant group was democratically elected in January.

"I think that aid should go to suffering Palestinians, but not should it go to a government, however, which has expressed its desire to destroy its neighbour," he told an audience at the Freedom House, an independent pro-democracy group.

"If the goal of the United States is two states living side-by-side in peace and one government elected says we want to destroy one of the parties, it makes no sense for us to support that government," Bush added.

The Hamas-dominated government was sworn in on Wednesday, prompting the swift severing of all ties and aid from Canada, one of a string of Western states that have threatened to cut all contacts unless Hamas renounces violence, and recognises Israel and past peace deals.

"We support the election process. We support democracy, but that doesn't mean we have to support governments that get elected as a result of democracy," Bush said.

"Now, Palestinians must make a choice as to whether or not it makes sense for them to have a government that says they want to destroy their neighbour. I don't think it does."

He said the Hamas government had a choice to make.

"We will continue to watch very carefully about the choice they make," Bush said.

- AFP