Hamas: 'Israel is a negation'

2006-03-04 18:55

Moscow - Hamas will not recognise Israel despite pressure from Russia to do so.

Senior leaders of the Palestinian party are currently in Moscow, the first visit by Hamas leaders to a major foreign power since it won Palestinian parliamentary elections on January 25.

Hamas is hoping to gain a measure of international standing from the three days of talks, opposed by Israel and the United States. Both brand the group a terrorist organisation because the Hamas charter calls for the Jewish state's destruction.

Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas's deputy political leader, said recognising Israel would negate all Palestinian rights.

Abu Marzouk said: "It means a negation of the Palestinian people and their rights and their property, of Jerusalem and the holy sites, as well as negation of their right of return.

"Therefore the recognition of Israel is not on the agenda."

On Friday, the first day of the talks, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Hamas must recognise Israel's right to exist and abide by interim peace deals.

This echoes demands made by the Quartet of Middle East mediators, which includes the United Nations, Russia, the United States and the European Union.

- Reuters