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| EU MP’s call on Hamas to stop with violence
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Frederique Ries, Belgian member of the European Parliament, one of the co-authors of the open letter to Palestinian candidates
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Around 50 members of the European Parliament have called on candidates in Wednesday’s Palestinian elections to disarm, renounce violence and recognise Israel’s right to exist.
In an open letter sent to the Palestinian electoral commission, the MEPs specifically highlighted their concerns about the views of Hamas and its candidates, who refuse to rule out violence as a means of “resistance”.
The letter was signed by parliamentarians who came mainly from the Liberal, Socialist and Christian Democrat political groups.
The signatories expressed their apprehension about the consequences a Hamas victory may have on the peace process “and on the future of relations between the European Union and the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.”
They called on the candidates to sign a document in which they would “commit themsleves to the peace process, based on the principle of two states for two peoples and recognizing Israel’s right to exist.”
Peace process
The MEP’s also urged the candidates “to renounce violence and refrain from terror activities.”
“We call on the groups and parties wishing to participate in the elections, especially Hamas, to show their willingness to become part of a genuinely democratic political environment by disarming the militias and by ensuring their Charter do not include articles calling for the destruction of the state of Israel and anti-Semitic articles,” the letter said.
The letter was co-authored by parliamentarians including Frenchman Patrick Gaubert, Vyautas Landsbergis from Lithuania and British MEP Charles Tannock, all three from the Christian Democrats. Christiana Muscardini of the Italian European Left party, Belgian Frederique Ries and Polish Bronislaw Geremek for the European Liberals also added their names.
It is the first time that Hamas has taken part in the Palestinian legislative elections, which the organisation has previously shunned.
In the letter the politicians noted that the organization is included in the EU list of terrorist organizations.
Hamas win likely
With discord and infighting plaguing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s ruling Fatah party, Hamas has become the leading contender to take control of the troubled Palestinian Authority in Wenesday’s elections.
Although it consists of both a political wing and an armed section, the two are inextricably linked, and both oppose the existence of Israel.
Hamas has been responsible for dozens of terror attacks on Israelis both within and beyond the green line. Its political wing has been consistently successful in recent local Palestinian elections and it is not inconceivable that the party may take power.
In recent days leading Hamas candidates have indicated that, if the party is successful, they may be willing to conduct negotiations with Israel through a third party. It is also possible that even if it wins, Hamas may still form a coalition with Fatah and allow Abbas to continue negotiations.
“ It’s not conceivable for an organization which calls for the destruction of its neighbour to take part in these elections, “ Richard Serero, an assistant to French MEP Patrick Gaubert told EJP.
However, he added: “There is no question that there can be dialogue with such organization unless it stops with violence and disarm
“It is important for the European deputies to make their Palestinian colleagues aware of this important point.”
While on a visit to the region, EU Commissioner in charge of external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner expressed hope that elections would bring in leaders who are ready and able to revive the peace process. “We will continue to offer our support to all those who seek peace by peaceful means,” she added.
Last December, the EU’s top foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, warned of a possible freeze of EU aid to the Palestinian Authority if Hamas wins the Palestinian poll.
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