German head to snub Hamas on visit (Merkel visiting Israel, PA)

Jerusalem Post ^

[Michael81Dus]

Despite Hamas's landslide victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not meet Hamas representatives during her 24-hour visit to the region Sunday, a move welcomed by Israeli diplomatic officials.

Merkel, scheduled to arrive Sunday for her first visit to the Middle East, is to go to Ramallah Monday afternoon but is only scheduled to meet there with Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, a spokesman at the German embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed Saturday night.

Merkel's spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm told reporters in Berlin that "our partner in dialogue is not Hamas, but Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian territories." He said that Merkel will relay to Abbas the European Union demand that Hamas give up violence and recognize Israel's right to exist.

"The right of Israel to exist must be recognized without ifs or buts. All forms of violence must be renounced and weapons must be laid down. All agreements within the scope of the peace process must be adhered to," he said.

This position was applauded in Jerusalem, with one diplomatic official saying that it indicated that despite Hamas's victory, Germany's policy toward the organization had not changed.

Wilhelm's statement also reflected the official line of the European Union and the Quartet. The Quartet issued a statement late Thursday night saying, "There is a fundamental contradiction between armed group and militia activities and the building of a democratic state. A two-state solution to the conflict requires all participants in the democratic process to renounce violence and terror, accept Israel's right to exist, and disarm, as outlined in the Roadmap."

Merkel will be the first head of state to visit since Hamas won Wednesday's election, and will also be the first head of state to visit since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered his stroke.

Merkel is scheduled to meet Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and then hold a joint press conference with him. During her visit she will also meet President Moshe Katsav, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Labor party head Amir Peretz, and Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu. She is also scheduled to visit Yad Vashem.

In addition to focusing on the new situation created by Hamas's victory, Merkel's discussions in Israel are also expected to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue.

[Michael81Dus]

Maybe this is something for your ME ping list?

[mainepatsfan]

I wonder if Schroeder would have met with them?

[AmishDude]

Good more on her part, but she shouldn't have acknowledged Abbas either. He's no less a terrorist, but now he doesn't even have the virtue of being useful.

[j. earl carter]

"The right of Israel to exist must be recognized without ifs or buts. All forms of violence must be renounced and weapons must be laid down. All agreements within the scope of the peace process must be adhered to,"

Hamas better do it. You don't want to make those Europeans mad./sarcasm

[GermanBusiness]

Michael!

Danke fuer diese wunderbare Frau mit Wirbelsaeule!

[cartan]

Hamas better do it. You don't want to make those Europeans mad./sarcasm

Actually, it would be nice if the EU got mad enough that they won't give those terrorists another €280 million, as they did in 2005. Of course, it would also be nice if the USA revisited their plan to give them another $350 million in 2006. Let them pay for their bombs with their own money.

[Michael81Dus]

Schröder who? ;-)

[Michael81Dus]

It is a pleasure to follow her steps, isn´t it? She has disappointed me only once... when the government paid 5 mio. $ for hostage Osthoff´s release.

[SJackson]

thanks

[SJackson]

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[ScaniaBoy]

Michael,

I have been critical of Frau Merkel before - and still is, but this time she has made a good decision. Congratulations and thanks.

ScaniaBoy

[j. earl carter]

Actually, it would be nice if the EU got mad enough that they won't give those terrorists another €280 million,

I don't think the money is important to them. The Iranians will make it up to Hamas with oil money derived from the EU. Either way, they will still be sending money to Hamas.

[cartan]

I don't think the money is important to them.

Well, the combined aid of the USA and the EU to the Palestinian Authority make up virtually all of their budget. They use it, among other things, like filling their personal bank accounts, to pay for an enormous security apparatus to ensure their power.

The Iranians will make it up to Hamas with oil money derived from the EU. Either way, they will still be sending money to Hamas.

According to the CIA factbook, Iran's 2005 budget revenues were only $48.82 billion. I don't think their love for the Palestinians is so deep that they'd give away 2% of that to their Palestinian brothers...