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Hamas looks to Muslim world
16/02/2006 15:26 - (SA)
Ezzedine Said
Gaza City - Ismail Haniya, set to be named Palestinian prime minister, said on Thursday that a Hamas government would rely on help from the Muslim world if the West acts on threats to axe funds once it takes office.
In an interview with AFP at his home in Gaza City's Shaati refugee camp, Haniya also said Hamas, set to form their first government after a landslide election win last month, would work constructively with Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas and address the pervading financial and security chaos.
The victory by Hamas, the Islamist movement behind dozens of suicide attacks in a five-year uprising, has led both the European Union and United States to warn of a cut in funding unless it renounces violence and recognises Israel.
Haniya, however, a softly-spoken former university administrator who headed Hamas's list of parliamentary candidates, said the Islamist movement was well placed to do a better job of government than its predecessors from Fatah.
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"Firstly, by establishing a sound and transparent financial base, we will be able to make many economies," said Haniya, seated underneath a giant portrait of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, assassinated by Israel two years ago.
"Secondly, we think that the Arab and Muslim countries, at both an official level and among the members of the public, do not want to abandon us," he added in response to questions about the threats to cut funds.
Haniya said that "international institutions, such as the World Bank, have assured us that they will maintain the finances of projects which they are supervising in the Palestinian territories."
The possibility of a funding cut has raised speculation that Hamas could turn to Iran, one of its main diplomatic allies, to plug the finance gap.
Haniya said that a Hamas delegation would travel to Iran shortly as part of a tour of Arab and Islamic countries.
This delegation, which has already visited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey "would also visit Iran, Malaysia and South Africa."
Haniya played down any prospect of clashing with moderate Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas (also known as Abu Mazen) whose Fatah movement was trounced by Hamas on January 25.
"We are determined to build relations with Abu Mazen based on dialogue and co-operation and he has assured us that our government will enjoy the same prerogatives of the outgoing cabinet," said Haniya.
Under the terms of the basic law, Abbas retains control of issues such as relations with Israel. The moderate leader has already insisted he will continue working towards a negotiated settlement with Israel.
Hamas, although it has held off attacks for over a year, remains committed to Israel's destruction and refuses to renounce the use of violence.
"As long as the occupation continues, our people will have the right to defend themselves," Haniya said.
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