Hamas called on Monday for talks with Western powers to try to reach a “just peace” in the Middle East but showed no sign of softening its stance on Israel as it presented its government to the Palestinian parliament. Hamas’ prime minister-designate, Ismail Haniyeh, told parliament that the new government, expected to win a vote of confidence on Tuesday or Wednesday, would be ready for a dialogue with the “quartet” of mediating powers. The quartet - the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations - has said Hamas, winner of Palestinian elections in January, must recognise Israel, renounce violence and accept past peace agreements or risk losing vital aid.
The parliament session came on the eve of elections in Israel, where the main issue is a plan by interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to withdraw from remote Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank while expanding the largest blocs. “The people have the right to struggle against the occupation,” Haniyeh said. But he added: “Our government will be ready for a dialogue with the quartet ... to look into all ways to end the status of struggle and to achieve calm in the region. “Our people are in need more than any other nation on earth for peace, for security and stability. Our government will not spare any effort to achieve a just peace in the region.”