SYRIA: Syra-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal says there is no political gain in recognising Israel and will resist doing so

The Muslim movement's leader Khaled Meshaal said on Thursday (October 13) at a ceremony to mark the start of the final 10 days of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, that Hamas sees no political gain in recognizing Israel and will resist doing so despite Western sanctions on the Palestinian government it leads. "To our parents in Fateh, in the government, and in all other factions the only way is to start to form a national unity government based on a open Palestinian principles. Not closed but open. Let us find a national unity government in which not Hamas or Fateh or any other faction is the only component. Nothing can prevent doing a national unity government but appealing to the Americans. And if, after that, you see that Hamas is fanatic in posts, I will be the responsible in front of the nation and we are ready to be open on the international community," Khlaed Meshaal said. Hamas' refusal to participate in any administration that recognizes Israel has contributed to preventing the formation of a Palestinian coalition government that could negotiate with Israel and do business with the West. The United States, Israel's chief ally, and the European Union say any Palestinian government must recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous peace accords. But Meshaal, who lives in exile in Syria, said the hard line of Hamas, whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel, would eventually pay off. "Hamas will not surrender to those wanting to mount a coup against it, will not recognize Israel and will not abandon armed resistance. If the elections said that there is another faction to be in the government we would open the door to it and it is our duty." Aides to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have warned he may appoint an emergency government or call early elections after the latest efforts to form a unity government with Hamas failed.

ITN Source | October 14, 2006

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