The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has rejected the Middle East Quartet's call to abandon violence, recognize Israel and accept the roadmap to the Middle East peace. "It is the view of the Quartet that all members of the future Palestinian government must be committed to non-violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map," said a statement issued by the Quartet -- the European Union (EU), the United Nations, the United States and Russia -- after a meeting in London.
"The Quartet concluded that it was inevitable that future assistance to any new government would be reviewed by donors against that government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap, " said the statement, which was read by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Annan also told reporters, "If Hamas...transforms itself from an armed movement into a political party respecting the rules of the game...I think the international community should be able to work with them."
Shortly later, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said "the Quartet should have demanded an end to occupation and aggression ... not demanded that the victim should recognize the occupation and stand handcuffed in the face of the aggression."
