Give Hamas Government Time, Egypt Says
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said at a news conference Tuesday that it was too early to discuss cutting off aid to a new Palestinian government led by Hamas.
Standing somewhat uncomfortably beside him was U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was kicking off a Middle East tour aimed at bolstering support for efforts to apply pressure to the militant group.
“We should not prejudge this,” Gheit told dozens of Arab and Western journalists.
Moments earlier, Gheit had urged the world to be patient with Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and Europe, as it assumes power in the Palestinian Authority. Gheit also decried Israel’s decision to withhold monthly revenue payments to the Palestinian government.
“We should give Hamas time,” Gheit said, echoing similar comments from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. “I’m sure that Hamas will develop, will evolve.”
The U.S. and Europe want Hamas to recognize Israel’s right to exist, renounce terrorism and disarm. The Bush administration is hoping a threatened freeze on financial aid will force Hamas to moderate its ways.
By U.S. estimates, the Palestinian government needs $1.9 billion annually, and about $1 billion of that has come from overseas donors.
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