US to recognize Hamas government if conditions accepted - official

US may recognize Hamas government

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Thursday January 18, 2007

Ramallah- The government of the United States will deal
with a Hamas-led Palestinian government on condition that government
accepts conditions specified by the Mideast Quartet, said a US
diplomatic official Thursday.

The Mideast Quartet, composed of the US, the European Union,
Russia and the United Nations, said the Palestinian government has to
recognize Israel, accept previously signed agreements and renounce
violence to end international sanctions imposed since the government
took office at the end of March.

If a government dominated by the Islamist Hamas movement, which
the US considers a terrorist organization, "meets (quartet
conditions) in a genuine way, we will deal with it," said the
official, speaking at a briefing with Palestinian editors in Ramallah
on condition of anonymity.

The official also said the US government did not believe a meeting
in Damascus between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas
leader Khalid Mishaal would have a positive result.

Palestinian sources close to Abbas said US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice during her meeting with Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday
expressed opposition to the Palestinian president's proposed trip to
Damascus.

The sources said Abbas insisted on the trip and on meeting Syrian
officials, including Syrian President Bashar Assad, even though he
might not meet with Mishaal unless the latter comes to see him.

Abbas is expected to visit Lebanon on Monday but no date was given
for his visit to Damascus.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency