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| EXCLUSIVE - Belgian FM: Hamas must renounce violence
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Karel De Gucht, Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Belgium’s foreign minister Karel De Gucht says Hamas must renounce violence if it is to participate in the upcoming Palestinian elections. In an exclusive interview with EJP, he also condemned Iran’s attitude to Israel as “unacceptable”.
EJP : Do you think that Sharon’s illness will have a great influence on Israel’s forthcoming elections. Are you concerned about the new Kadima party without Sharon? If yes, what are those concerns?
Karel De Gucht : Allow me to convey a message of sympathy to Ariel Sharon and his family and to wish him strength for his recovery process.
Prime Minister Sharon’s acute health problems came unexpectedly and added to the uncertainty of an already turbulent political landscape in Israel. His political absence will most certainly be felt. However, it remains unclear how this will impact the forthcoming elections and the relative strengths of Kadima and Likud.
I genuinely hope that Israel, regardless the political configuration of its government, will continue its efforts towards peace in the Middle East. Prime Minister Sharon’s bold decision to disengage from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank created a renewed momentum for the implementation of the Road Map. We must not let this chance fade away, no matter how difficult the path towards peace.
EJP: Ehud Olmert has been named acting Prime Minister – Have you met him in the past ?
KDG : I have not had the opportunity to personally meet Mr. Olmert. Nonetheless, I am convinced that he is a very capable politician and that he will stand up to his responsibilities. Under the present circumstances, I foresee a very high degree of continuity in the policy of the government of Israel. The Israeli people will have the opportunity to express themselves in the forthcoming elections.
EJP : Are you optimistic about the Middle East peace process in the current situation ?
KDG : The Middle East peace process is characterised by much uncertainty. The upcoming Israeli and Palestinian elections have an immediate impact on the political and security context. They will also influence the perspective for the future of the peace process.
While recognizing the fragility of the current situation and the disruptive effect of renewed violence, I count on the strong determination of both parties to undertake, in parallel, the necessary actions towards the fulfillment of their obligations and commitments.
EJP : Do you think Hamas must participate in the Palestinian elections ?
KDG: The forthcoming elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council constitute an essential element for progress in the peace process. All parties should have a chance to participate in the electoral process, provided they accept and abide by the fundamental principles of democracy. The international community is very clear on this point: violence and terror are incompatible with democratic processes and all factions, including Hamas, must renounce violence, must recognize Israel’s right to exist, and must disarm. Therefore, Hamas is now given the chance to take up its political responsibility.
EJP : Iran appears so far to be unmoved by the European verbal reactions to President Ahmadinejad’s statements on Israel. Are sanctions against Teheran possible ?
KDG : Let me be absolutely clear, the recent series of remarks by President Ahmadinejad are completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated by the rest of the international community. A strong condemnation by the European Union was the right way to respond and I made sure that this same message was repeated to the Iranian ambassador to Belgium. I will personally continue to resist any use of language inciting hatred and intolerance.
The public declarations by the EU demonstrate the serious damage done to the international position of Iran. The EU seeks to develop a comprehensive policy towards Iran, encompassing different areas of interest. However, growing mistrust overshadows the further development of our mutual relations. This political signal from the EU may be picked up by more moderate forces in Iranian political and civil society, who resist the current trend of radicalisation in Iran’s international policy.
The international community will keep developments within Iran under close review and will, accordingly, decide on the appropriate line to take.
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