15 February 2007
The president of the European Jewish Congress, Pierre Besnainou, has praised the European Union for its cautious reaction to the recent power-sharing deal between the rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas. “It is important that the European Union maintains a firm attitude regarding Hamas,” Besnainou said in a statement. “As long as Hamas does not amend its charter and renounce terror, no concession is conceivable.”
Leaders of Hamas, which currently controls the Palestinian Authority government and legislature, and leaders of the more moderate Fatah led by PA president Mahmoud Abbas concludes a deal in Mekka last week, ending weeks of violent clashes.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's foreign minister and current EU Council president, expressed “cautious optimism” last Friday about the agreement but said talk of resuming direct aid to the PA government was premature. Shortly after, European foreign ministers who met in Brussels decided not to resume aid payments. The international community has set three conditions for Hamas to meet before aid can be resumed: recognition of Israel, renunciation of terrorism and acceptance of past peace agreements. “These preconditions are necessary. Up until today, Hamas refused to renounce to violence and recognize Israel,” EJC president Besnainou said.
