German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has stressed his country’s opposition to a Hamas-lead Palestinian government if the organisation refuses to recognize Israel and denounce terrorism.

Steinmeier arrived in Israel on Sunday night for a three-day visit to the Middle East, which will include meetings in Ramallah with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas as well as talks in Jordan and Turkey.

Like German chancellor Angela Merkel, who also visited Israel and the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas only a few weeks ago, Steinmeier will ignore any requests by Hamas for meetings.

Clear position

After meeting with acting Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, Steinmeier made his position clear.

“I wanted to let Israel know that it can count on our solidarity, especially after the Palestinian elections. I affirm the (Israeli) principles for contacts with the Hamas movement,” the German politician said.

"In statements by Hamas, there are no indications that the movement is inclined to face reality," Steinmeier said. "So for the time being it does not look like Hamas will turn into a serious partner for negotiations."

Later Monday Steinmeier was due to meet with Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem

Earlier, the German minister visited the Yad Vashem Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem and laid a wreath next to the eternal flame at the Holocaust Hall of Remembrance.

On Tuesday, Steinmeier has planned meetings with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and outgoing Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa – but no Hamas leaders.

Concerning situation

The situation has been exacerbated in recent days after Russia invited Hamas leaders to Moscow for an official visit.

The decision by Russian president Vladimir Putin went against the entire Western international community which has consistently said it will not support Hamas unless it recognizes Israel and condemns terrorism.

Most prominently, Putin’s actions were in complete contradiction to the so-called Quartet of Middle East negotiators – made up of representatives of the UN, US, EU and Russia – who released a statement after the Palestinian elections aimed at pressurizing Hamas to change its policies.

As Hamas has so far refused to give in, the international community had refused to change its position.

Before the trip he acknowledge the complexity of the situation in the Middle East, but expressed hope that he will be able to gain an understanding into how to help make peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

"It's a difficult trip to a difficult region," Steinmeier said. "I hope that I'll be able gain insight into what can be done to promote the peace process in the region," he said.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Israel's ambassador to Germany, Shimon Stein, said he didn’t expect Germany to follow Russia in opening talks with Hamas.

“Hamas remains on the European Union's list of terror organizations,” Stein said. “I see no reason why Germany should change its attitude towards Hamas simply because the latter were elected into power."