'Long-term truce' possible

2006-02-08 13:27

London - Hamas could agree to a "long-term truce" with Israel if it is willing to return to the 1967 borders and recognise the rights of Palestinians to self-determination, its exiled leader told BBC radio on Wednesday.

Khaled Meshaal said: "We now say that if Israel withdraws to the 1967 borders, there could be peace and security in the region and agreements between the sides until the international community finds a way to solve everybody's problems.

"Truce would be long-term, but limited because there's a Palestinian reality the international community must deal with. There are those kicked out of their land in 1948, the international community must find a solution for those people."

The determined Islamist group won a surprise victory in the January 25 parliamentary elections in the Palestinian Territories, but has since come under international pressure to renounce violence against Israel.

Its refusal to recognise Israel has also led to the threat that vital overseas aid could be withdrawn unless it renounces violence.

Meshaal, who is based in the Syrian capital Damascus, said Hamas was prepared to take a "serious step" but only if the right of Palestinians to self-determination is recognised.

He added: "When Israel changes, come and ask me to change."

- AFP