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Mesh'al: Hamas "in contact" with EU and U.S.
Khaled Meshaal, Hamas' political leader, said on Tuesday that the movement is having contacts with the United States and the European Union.
"Yeah, we sent 'em Christmas cards. We're expecting one back any time now..."
Meshaal said in an interview with the BBC's Newsnight program that the "The European Union, which puts Hamas on a list of terrorist organizations, is still continuing communications and meetings." He added that Europe "recognize[s] Hamas' authority and that there can be no understanding or stability in Palestine without talks with Hamas."
Sounds like the position the Euros would take.
Meshaal also said that the U.S. had contacted the group in recent months. "The American authorities, who have also put us on a list of terrorist organizations and criticize us, have also contacted us in recent months." He said. Meshaal added that "The Arab countries are continuing meetings with Hamas despite pressure from the American administration."
So the Merkin contacts weren't what you'd call friendly, eh?
On other hand, Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, denied Meshaal's statements and said that there were no contacts between the EU and Hamas.
"No, no! Certainly not!"

Posted by: Fred 2004-12-15
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=51324