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| Quartet meet to discuss the future of aid to Hamas
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European Union representatives, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice held talks in London Monday to discuss the consequences of Hamas’s victory in last week’s Palestinian elections.
At a press conference held Monday night, at the Savoy Hotel in central London, the Quartet laid out Hamas’s obligations and criteria they must meet to ensure a continuation of financial aid to the Palestinians.
While they commended the Palestinian people on a democratic, fair and free election, their message was of unity and clarity. Hamas must renounce violence and recognise Israel, they said.
Obligations
Speaking for the Quartet, Kofi Annan said that they must also recognise all previous agreements and obligations, including the Road Map, and work towards a two-state solution.
The UN Secretary General said also that the elected Palestinian government must also ensure law and order, prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure of terror.
These are the obligations that will determine the future of financial aid to the Palestinian Authority.
There were no threats to cut aid in the short term and no deadlines or ultimatums were made, it was set out as more of an appeal.
“If Hamas... transforms itself from an armed movement into a political party respecting the rules of the game... I think the international community should be able to work with them,” Annan said.
Financial accountability
The Quartet also urged the Palestinians to take control over finances and move towards fiscal accountability and reform.
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said it could take up to three months before a new Palestinian government was formed and vital EU funding would continue at least until then.
“If these conditions are met then we stand ready to continue (to fund the Palestinian Authority),” he said.
“If they do not change then it will be very difficult," he added.
US Secretary of State Rice, who had been pushing for a strong statement against Hamas from the Quartet, reiterated that the militant group must adapt.
“There are responsibilities which come with governing, the Palestinians deserve a peaceful and better life.”
Israel was also warned about settlement expansion. The Quartet raised concern about the route of the security barrier but noted Acting Prime Minister Olmert’s recent statement that Israel will continue the process of removing unauthorized outposts.
Following the press conference, former US president Jimmy Carter, who took part in the talks, said the next crisis would be whether Israel allows the Palestinians to form a government.
“Will Israel allow them to cross check posts and move freely between the West Bank and Gaza?” he asked.
President Carter, who recently met Hamas leaders in Ramallah, was not optimistic. While he recognised the obligations of the organisation, he said that Hamas didn’t stop the peace process.
“There was no peace process while Arafat was confined to Ramallah,” he said.
He noted also that the EU could be more flexible if were forced to stop funding as the US has rigid prohibitions dealing with Hamas.
Carter said he would like to see wealthy Arab states making up funds for the Palestinian payroll.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, responded by saying, “The Quartet should have demanded an end to [Israeli] occupation and aggression, not demanded that the victims should recognise the occupation and stand handcuffed in the face of the aggression.”
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